bluebird dinnertime

[jamn4ex]

1/200 5.6 400mm

[Nicola]

1/200 5.6 400mm

Nice capture
but the focus is on the wood, not on the blue bird... isn't it?
perhaps you can PP a bit more..

I tried the way of selective sharpening and light/shadow setting, but I think I have still to walk this way
unfortunately I've not enough time at this moment
below a quick try
hope you don't mind
N

[Dave Humphries]

Hi again James,

I bet you're luvin' that 400mm
(I am)

On this, I would have straighted the pole and sharpened + Local Contrast Enhanced a bit more than your original, but a bit less than Nicola's "quick go".

Another good capture though, I'm jealous

[Nicola]

.... but a bit less than Nicola's "quick go".

yes.. I 've had an heavy hand, too much contrast
but the sun was shining onto my monitor..

[Jim B.]

James,
Nice shot.I would try ,as Dave said, to straighten the post to vertical.If this isn't a crop you will get pretty close to vertical,but the tail is going to be close to the bottom left edge of the frame.
You're a stop or so underexposed.This has introduced some noise that will soften the details in the feathers.
I had the 400 and it's a fantastic lens,but having old eyes and less than rock solid stability,I sold it and kept my 100-400 IS.
If you are shooting handheld, shutter speed needs to be higher.Not that 1/200" isn't doable.I think keeper rate would be higher by minimizing subject movement and camera shake.
Not knowing whether you've just started working with the 400 or have being using it for years,please take my statements "with a grain of salt".