Generally I prefer to photography my wildlife subjects in natural surrounding and often try to frame my shots so that they do not include manmade elements. During a recent visit to Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, I inadvertently spooked a small bird, which looks to me to be a juvenile Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis), and I watched as it flew to a tall wooden post. I looked at it as a mixed blessing, because I had a clear view of the bird, even though the perch was manmade.
I captured this image when the bluebird turned its head to look at me. I really like the way that the composition of this modest little image turned out. I remember moving a bit to make sure that the sky was in the background, but hadn’t really counted on the background being as pleasantly blurred as it is. The wires and other hardware attached to the post add some additional visual interest to the foreground without being too distracting.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
That’s a great photo, Mike. Worthy of an exception to the rule.
Thanks, Dan. When it comes to photography, I look at rules as suggestions that work well, except when they don’t. I do think, though, that there is value in learning the rules at the beginning and then letting experience guide you in deciding when to selectively ignore them.
You have such a good eye for what will make a good photo, Mike. I think it’s safe to go with your gut.
What a pretty bird! Nice shot.
It is a sweet image, Mike.
Thanks, Chris.
Great shot! What a pretty, little bird.