It's a Long Way Home
by jmsetzler

Comment by bmartuch:
This is my kind of shot. Excellent.

Descent
by jmsetzler

Comment by tfarrell23:
Way to go John, thanks for submitting...wonderful shot from a guy that introduced me to digital photography...you were the guy dude.

Fateful Lightning
by jmsetzler

Comment by HarveyG:
Great study. Composition is spot on. Eyes are looking at me, sharp with the "mandatory" catch lights. Whilst I understand the "need" for catch-lights in eyes, raptors have jutting brows to specifically reduce light and shade the eyes from sun and glare. Something a lot of commentators ignore and vehemently defend that catch-lights must be visible. The black and white processing is top notch and the background is smooth and uncluttered. This is a captive bird? I think so. No matter. One of the better nature studies in this FS challenge. I might have cropped out the birds right wing (at point of carpal coverts) as it is a little distracting. 9.

Fateful Lightning
by jmsetzler

Comment by annig:
a lot of detail, fierce! I prefer seeing this majesty in color

Fateful Lightning
by jmsetzler

Comment by Neat:
Great photo, but I feel the crop is a little too tight, all the best.

Descent
by jmsetzler

Comment by Bear_Music:
Good to see ya back, John. I hadn't realized you'd entered this challenge. "Jim Setzler, wildlife photographer"... Who'da thunk it? :-) This is a nice capture.

I just got a used 100-400mm Canon myself. It's hard work using those beasts! I'm just sort of starting to get the hang of it now, and now the birds are returning to the Cape, so I have my fingers crossed.

Descent
by jmsetzler

Comment by Adz:
This should have done much better! So sharp and the bird's pose makes it

Red Crested Cardinal
by jmsetzler

Comment by sfalice:
Hey, John - nice one. Beautiful colors and markings on those sassy birds.

Red Crested Cardinal
by jmsetzler

Comment by KarenNfld:
Gorgeous!

Descent
by jmsetzler

Comment by vawendy:
The feet on this are a hoot! They look so awkward coming down. Great capture. (just looking, not voting)