The Woodpecker and the Pine
by hahn23

Comment by HarveyG:
Technically challenging image to obtain. Not withstanding the photographic ability, large aperture, fast shutter speed, perfectly stationary long lens/body but also to get TO the sighting, setup and shoot without the bird flying off is incredibly difficult to achieve. The flying debris is also magnificent as is the head caught stationary mid strike even though it's pecking at 50 ppm :) POV and composition spot on. Only niggle I can give is a missing eye catchlight, but for me this is a minor imperfection. Bird behaviour photography at it's best. 10.

Soldiers of the Sunflower Clan
by hahn23

Comment by tnun:
sweet.

On the Edge of the Earth's Shadow
by hahn23

Comment by sophiawood:
Interesting shot. Its a bit overdone for my taste. The lighting just doesn't seem to flow.

The Woodpecker and the Pine
by hahn23

Comment by 3DsArcher:
Good action & really great DOF

The Woodpecker and the Pine
by hahn23

Comment by balancedfox:
Excellent! Belongs in a wildlife magazine.

The Woodpecker and the Pine
by hahn23

Comment by Venser:
#2, tied with another.
Gave this a lower mark at PWOContests because it didn't fit the challenge as well as some of the other entries. For this challenge here I have it in my top three. Really well timed shot. If there was more bark flying off it'd make it that much better, but that's out of your control. It does look like the right foot is slightly more in focus than the face of the bird; a slight distraction. Looking at the other version, it could simply be the pixel restriction. Amazing what 50 more does for minute details.

Nice job Richard.

The Woodpecker and the Pine
by hahn23

Comment by levyj413:
Love the flying chips!

The Woodpecker and the Pine
by hahn23

Comment by hotpasta:
great action shot! 8

On the Edge of the Earth's Shadow
by hahn23

Comment by littlemav:
If this is expert editing you get ++++++ because I can't tell... In my humble opinion, I love expert edits that I think are the real deal!

en garde pour Romance Milagro
by hahn23

Comment by bspurgeon:
Take away the juice.