Bombycilla garrulus - Bohemian Waxwing
by salmiakki

Comment:
Congrats on the top 10 finish - well deserved!

Call of the Wild
by MAK

Comment:
I think I would say it held its own! Apologies for suggesting it might have been the work of that second-rate photographer Simms;¬P - and congrats on the top 10 finish!

The Gathering
by karenk

Comment:
A very worthy blue ribbon winner - congratulations!

Song Sparrow
by skewsme

Comment:
The soft vignette adds to the feeling of delicacy and sweetness. I like it.

Gull
by DistantColours

Comment:
Simply wonderful!

Bellycan
by macrothing

Comment:
Super graphic image that is very pleasing to view.

Call of the Wild
by MAK

Comment:
Simms? Wonderful composition and technicals, and the bellowing stag couldn't be a better subject, but I am somewhat unsure whether I really like the processing style. I have revisited this a number of times and my vote hovers between 7 and 10 - so I shall go for 9....

Beach Life
by incubus

Comment:
An unusual take on the challenge, but it works well for me.

Majestic
by Mark-A

Comment:
Wonderful light that you have utilised well.

Red squirrel
by snaffles

Comment:
I long to see a red squirrel - here in England the red squirrel population has been decimated by a virus brought in by the alien grey squirrel. Ironically the grey squirrel, whilst a carrier, is immune to the virus allowing it to become by far and away the dominant species.
Back to the photo - this is a lovely study. Your choice of doF is spot on, isolating the squirrel whilst still showing enough of the woodland background to provide environmental context. I am really pleased you didn't crop or zoom in too close.