Full
by Phocal

Comment by pixelpig:
handsome bird

Golden Eye
by Phocal

Comment by sidpixel:
Hello from the critique club

An excellent image that contributes well to the open challenge

Wow! That must have been some moment when he surfaced so close to you, I don't know how much time you had but well done for getting such a good shot quickly. Your technical settings are just right with adequate DOF, low ISO and fast enough shutter speed and your focus is spot on, all in all a great shot. The reflections are gorgeous and the greens of the water are superb. I know this is the open challenge and there must be some good stuff for this to end up at 19 but you do have a respectable score, well done Ronnie.

Golden Eye
by Phocal

Comment by illini75:
Great shot.

Golden Eye
by Phocal

Comment by pixelpig:
ooo jewels for sure. nice reflection.

Wet
by Phocal

Comment by sidpixel:
Hello from the critique club

An appealing image that partially meets the challenge.

This is a gorgeous nature study that leaves you feeling sorry for the poor bird looking wet and bedraggled in the pouring rain. So, as for surreal and dreamy I don̢۪t think it really works that well, there is however, a hint of dreaminess in that his eye is partially closed which goes a little way towards fulfilling the challenge brief. What I think destroys any dreaminess is the inclusion of the barbed wire, I would have excluded it completely and just left the post I think this may have improved it but it still would struggle to fully meet the challenge.

Thank you for a lovely entry Ronnie.

Wet
by Phocal

Comment by jomari:
Oh, the poor little bird! I feel sorry for it. Lovely photo though.

Wet
by Phocal

Comment by tanguera:
Poor thing. Not sure how this is either surreal or dreamy, but it's a nice wildlife shot.

Waiting Game
by Phocal

Comment by sidpixel:
Hello from the Critique club

An appealing image that meets the challenge well

You have to be commended for your patience, well done! Although these types of shots have been done many times before they never cease to appeal, he’s a beaut. Good sharp accurate focus and DoF that isolates him well with good colour and detail he’s nicely marked but those eyes – ah they’re gorgeous. Against all that green the red/brown markings really stand out, nice as they are I sort of wish he was all green because of the dominance of green throughout the rest of the image. My only criticism is that personally, I would have cloned out the stalk on the right hand edge it is a little distracting. Thanks for an excellent entry

Vicious
by Phocal

Comment by sidpixel:
Hello from the Critique club

An interesting image that contributes to the open challenge

Basking in the sunshine, ah you can̢۪t beat it! What a cute little critter. Well done in capturing this natural study. As your commenter has pointed out the foreground stick is unfortunately marring the end result significantly, its such a shame because the reflection is so effective. But, there are certain situations we find ourselves in that we can̢۪t do anything about but well done for a good attempt.

Wet
by Phocal

Comment by clickodak:
Oh I love it. Very nice shooting that give a beautiful composition I give 9