All I can think of Michael, is poor little wet bird. I saw a lot of these guys when I visited Costa Rica. They are very loud and keep repeating that name; "Kis-ka-dee" so that makes identification easy. What I am seeing is a wet bird and you have left me guessing at to the rest of the story. It's my thing, but I like some of the bird's environment included to help the story line. I took the liberty to crop your image a little differently to include the Kiskadee's surroundings. I also highlighted the bird a little and toned down the brightness of the banana some. I also left his buddy in the image. I don't think he is a distraction because of his dull color but maybe adds a little extra to the story. I would be interested in what your honest opinion is with the change.
By the way I had another trip planed back to costa Rica this fall but that is not going to happen now. Bummer, I love that country for wildlife.   Posted: 08/03/2020 13:41:04

The very wet bird looks sooooooo pathetic that it is almost endearing. Even the tilt to the head adds to sad appearance.
What you display is sharp and crisp with a generally pleasing background so the image has curb appeal for sure.

However when I view the original I do understand the crop as you are trying to clean up the clutter. As displayed you might clone out the white/grey patch in the upper left because its brightness detracts from the final image.

Usually with birds it is best to crop tight (in this case eliminate the legs) rather than chop them off mid leg. The rule (which can be broken) suggests that even if the feet do not show you should include the space where they should be. In this case it is why the bird feels chopped off. Generally in nature photography is is best to eliminate man made elements like the square cut beam the birds are sitting on.

I think you did a great job in turning a messy original into a satisfactory finished product. Cropping even tighter would have made it still better. I'd be interesting in knowing how you feel about the tighter crop.   Posted: 08/04/2020 14:21:17

Gotta love this shot. Rain soaked, it makes we want to use Larry's LensCoat for him - LOL..

Even with you crop, you have captured a very sharp image. The poor little thing definitely looks defeated and you have captured that nicely. You have even managed to capture the rain drop in the background with just the right Bokah. Subtle background and the shadows are well adjusted to allow the colors of the Kiskadee to stand out. Your cropping of the stump/stand is well done. It brings out the bird better and isn't a distraction.   Posted: 08/05/2020 00:02:02

Good shot to capture it's expression Michael. My caption would be "Give me a shelter please..." :)
I like the cropped versions from Richard & Larry.   Posted: 08/14/2020 05:49:20

You captured a fine portrait that expresses emotion in the little birds eyes. I like the rain streaks in the background.   Posted: 08/19/2020 06:14:47

Thanks for the comments. I like Richard's crop but personally don't like to include bird feeders, and including half a bird doesn't seem quite right to me. I like the closer crop and that was my original "take" on the image. For some reason I opened it up. Can't remember why - getting old and senile I guess. The first time I saw the image I was going to get rid of it, then I noticed the bird's expression. I chuckled and said to myself, "I've had days like that!".   Posted: 08/23/2020 17:23:54

Right timing to capture that expression Michael. I like the way you have cleaned up your presentation of the image, showing only that expression and wet body with little water drops in the bg. Superb!
I would have preferred a little tighter crop to make it better.
I could think of this caption "A shelter could help" :)   Posted: 08/25/2020 03:28:25