My first red bellied-woodpecker.............

[BigdonnieBRASCO]

Not wild about the composition but I think a solid 6 out of ten

[Padre]

I think this is one of the best shots I've seen you post. Very well done DonnieB! Ok so how did you compress this without artifacts?

[BigdonnieBRASCO]

Thanks Padre -

I think after my success with the chickadee picture I was thinking that this one could be a bit sharper.

As for the artifact thing.... it's a product of my infinite computer wisdom, my superior camera skills, and ... ok I really don't know!

All I did was save it to photobucket.com and post it here. So I really don't know.

Thanks again for the compliment, I have only been taking pictures since about October, so I truly do value ANY critiques, and hope to get better with the assistance of you REALL photographers!!

[JDArt]

Very nice shot. Nice composition.

[cedric_r]

I'm not sure what artifacts Padre is referring to. To me the photo looks ok with lens blur. Maybe I don't see what he sees with his eagle eyes.
I really like the sharpness and clearness of the bird.
The only thing that I don't like is the distraction in the background that competes with the bird for attention. There's a bird at the bottom and some orangy stuff in the middle and at the top. If you could get rid of these or burn them, I think the photo would be greatly improved..

[BigdonnieBRASCO]

Gave it a quick 10 minute "clean-up"....
Better
I TRULY do appreciate the help!!!!

[cedric_r]

This is so much better. There's nothing competing for attention with the bird in the frame now.

[RobAmy]

Nice shot, and nice ps on the second shot, which I prefer

[BigdonnieBRASCO]

Thanks for the tip Cedric... I never would have thought to do that.
And thanks everyone for the compliments!

[Padre]

I'm not sure what artifacts Padre is referring to. To me the photo looks ok with lens blur. Maybe I don't see what he sees with his eagle eyes.

I was pointing out the lack of artifacts. It is indeed a very clean image. I am having a little trouble getting a file posted without artifacts. jfrancho sent me a link and I have been reading today a little more about it.