Red Tailed Hawl - (enlarge)

During our recent vacation to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, we

visited Brookgreen Gardens located in nearby Murrel's Inlet. It is a

Natural Historical Landmark, with the most significant collection of

figurative sculpture in an outdoor setting,by American Artists in the

World, and is has the only zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos

and Aquariums on the coast of the Carolinas. It's interpretation of

Lowcountry Trails and Oak Plantations history and Nature Trail was

a sight to behold. We were only there for a few hours, yet your pass

allows you 7 days to explore the wonders of the marvelous place. I

did not learn until I got home that my many photos of the Statues in

the Gardens could not be posted. I did however try to take photos of

the well cared for wildlife that lived under the canopy of the mighty

Cypress trees, in the Lowcountry Swamp. This particular image was

taken through a 'green mesh' enclosure, making it even more difficult

for me to get a truly sharp image. If you have an opportunity,

search 'Brookgreen Gardens, South Carolina', the history is most

interesting. (thanks for dropping by, Gail)

Wow! I'm impressed Theres a great balance of sharpness of the eye and impression of softness in the birds downy chest feathers, the colours are so natural and the backdrop is perfect too. Considering you took this through a mesh fence it is brilliant! ( I will take a look at the Brookgreen Gardens history as suggested too)

Sincere Compliments Gail

Warm Regards

Alf

You can't imagine how much this means to me, to hear you saw such lovely things about this beautiful bird. I have never taken many bird shots, and this was a struggle. Mike gave me some pointers which helped and then I found another way around it also.  With the camera problems I'd been having going from light to dark along the wooden trail through the Lowland swamp,  I was not sure I'd have any images to share. So glad you enjoyed it Alf.

Most sincerely, Gail

Gail, this is certainly a beautiful hawk. The processing on this is spot on. I agree with Alf about the sharpness. I am particularly drawn to the pattern and texture of the feathers and the way they relate to the background, popping just enough to look natural. They are quite amazing birds. 

Very well composed, Gail. I fully agree to the other comments. A really nice shot. Best regards, Olaf

Hi Gail,

A+, my friendly student !

Best Regards,  Mike

Great capture of this beautiful bird Gail.  Sharp where it needs to be!  Always enjoy the stories too.

Beautiful capture Gail. Very well done.

A beautiful shot with very nice details, Gail!

With best regards,

Ruud.

Beautiful!!

Hi Gail,

Very good capture...........Best Regards, KA

Very beautiful capture , very nice composition..................... Best regards.

Very sneaky young Lady........... I think you used the mesh fence as a "softening filter" for the plumage, to accentuate the eye.

A lovely capture, my friend............ well done.

Best wishes

A marvelous image ! I thought at first that it was tethered , the mesh has worked well breaking up the background for you . Excellent . Bill

Excellent work. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a prosperous  2012. Vicente.

I like the image. The netting adds a texture that I like here.

Wonderful shot, dear Gail...my best

Very good details and really effective dof. Best regards.

Great shot with lovely DOF & details.Thanks for sharing.

My best regards.

Kallol

Your very kind critique is both encouraging and a welcome sight. Never would I have thought to gain such approval. My deepest thanks for your support and friendship,

Kindest regards, Gail

Dear Gail, My impression from this image is much the same as the others, I'm a little surprised you didn't think this sharp. As Alf stated considering shooting through the green mesh this is brilliant. Is it the mesh thats making me see the faint lines around the hawk which match his markings?? Whatever I kinda like the effect. Just MHO. More importantly I wanted to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and Happy New Year. Take care.

Sincerely,

Holger

Great image Gail with spot on eye focusing.  Well done and best regards!!

Many thanks for those very kind remarks John, I truly appreciate the time taken to comment and your support,

Warmest regards, Gail

Many thanks for those very kind remarks. It is probably my inexpertise at 'nature/bird' photography that has me hesitant to judge how well I've done on one of these types of images. The 'mesh' certainly was difficult to shoot through. I'm happy you liked the end result and I'll try to let you know how I arrived at the end image.

Many Happy Wishes and of course every Blessing of this Season to you and yours,

Most Sincerely, Gail