really neat

The main subject's great as is most of the background, but I'm distracted by the highlights boundaries in the upper portion. The one next door is my preference.

Amazing phone pic.! My iPhone wouldn't come within spitting distance of this. The background rendering is pretty cool too.

This one in a heart beat for me. Much more dramatic and the story's not compromised.

LOL. Next door, again.

Fascinating lineup - I wonder if the two end birds are deliberately watching the rear for potential attacks.
I'm very, very pleased with the 55-300PLM for optics plus fast, silent AF (in good light). And it's light c450g and compact. I haven't tried it with the DA 1.4x converter yet but that be a good combo. I'd be surprised if Ricoh didn't take that into account. Zippy and minimonster seem pleased with theirs as well.

Both are very successful candids - I would never even attempt something like this. My preference is the one next door. This shot's good for all the reasons already noted but I like the added complexity of next door with the reflections.

Oh very cool little critters! Love the bright red. Popular plant!

Nice one Todd. Super Comp. Super Bokeh!

Yea this one for me too, a dynamic composition. The Lion mural on the wall looks amazing, certainly nothing like the graffiti that adorned my school!