Woodpeckers.

[Nat]

I processed these two woodpeckers from my archives....I tried to get a good sharpness and good contrasts and tried blurring the background more that the original. C&C appreciated.
Downy Woodpecker



Red Bellied Woodpecker

[Otavio]

Hi Nat. I think you accomplished your objectives (Sharpness, contrast, blurred background). Maybe it would be worth trying to darken the white spots on the background on #2, as they, to me, cause some sort of confusion with the woody's chest. Actually it draws my attention when looking to the photo. Just my 2 cents...

Very nice job and thanks for sharing!

[CLK]

Nat,
#1 clarity and sharpness are great, like the foot and toes, the detail there, agree with Otavio on #2 about white spots in background. Both however, look like they are ready to fly any moment.

[Nat]

Thank you for your comments. I changed the exposure on the tree and the background. Did this solve the issue? (if I actually POST the image, LOL!)

[Otavio]

Nat, I tried a quick "vanish" of the white spots. I am not good at PP (post processing) but I think it gives an idea of what I meant. Probably you could do better. The idea was to hide those white spots that were drawing the attention from the woody, which is the main subject of your photo.
Note: If you dont like the fact that I posted an edit version of your photo, please let me know and I will remove it.

Again, both are very nice pictures! Regards.

[Nat]

Thank you for your input.....I'll work on it!