Blue-winged Warbler

I usually strive for super clean fore- and backgrounds, so this frame represents a significant departure from that style. I've seen a lot of photographers playing around with out-of-focus blur, so I decided to do the same when this cooperative bird landed in a low maple in response to playback. I think the textured surrounds are cool, and I've grown to like the sprouting leaf in front of the subject; Had it obscured the wing bars I might have felt differently about it, but -- as is -- all the key field marks are visible. I really like how the trademark black eyeline cracks against the greens and yellows.

Red River Gorge, Powell County, Kentucky, 5/8/22
Canon 600mm f/4 IS II + 1.4x III on EOS R5
1/1250 at f/6.3, ISO 2500