Northern Flicker

Bill has captured the Northern Flicker adroitly and it's evident he has sweat over this shot by waiting for the right moment to appear worthy of capture. The way the bird has anchored to the tree on the left which is a powerful vertical visual element reminding us of stoutness and stability elicits a solid feeling of survivability in contrast with fragility and vulnerability of the leaves having framed the bird in a rhythmic dance. The tips of the leaves all point to the bird and carry our visual flow along with visual importance birdward.

The color and tonal restriction has produced a formidable frame. I can't ignore the way the bird's color is repeated in the trunk of the tree, showing me how this bird has mastered the art of camouflage. Lucky Ian who had a sharp eyes to make out the outline of the bird.

What is probably a minor drawback and distraction is the overexposed background. Considering the fact that the background is so sprinkled with those dark leaves I think nobody can claim he'd do better of course.

The subject is nicely emphasized through placement, shape, and texture ( may not be the right word to choose since it's too technical, sorry ! ) The direction the bird is looking is certainly a bonus since it nails our eyes in it's visual importance.