"Birdscapes" - does it work?

I quite like these. The norm is bird faces close up, "tight crop", and "birdscapes" are a nice alternative. I agree with Hez on nr 1, at least that the bird would perhaps fit better some ways down and to the left.

Now where is that Oktoberfest..

I think I will voice a nod more critical opinions on these:

1. Perhaps bit too central composition and despite that these are "birdscapes" I think tighter framing might been better...

2. & 3. Somehow I think that the position of the bird in the frame should be different: perhaps more conformant with the rule of thirds and the bird closer to the right edge.

3. As a positive thing: the selective colouring works fine.

4. In its current form this is quite boring picture IMHO. I think lower shooting angle would have made this more interesting.

Absolutely!
I agree, and not only because I don't have the lenses (or the skill and patience ) to get amazing close-ups.
I like your pictures, Anand, and I think the ones you show here are almost perfectly framed. I'd only comment that I personally find human and animal subjects look better looking to the centre from a short distance away (not necessarily the 1/3 often suggested) so I would probably put the heron a bit to the left and the razorbills nearer the centre.

Interestingly, I've been thinking exactly the same as you about train pictures. Almost everyone seems to want either close-ups or tight crops from further away (and to be fair they've been doing this for a century) but I prefer to see the train in a setting.
Tight crops are okay of you're making an identification guide, or if you're hoping to wow your audience with your skill at getting close-ups, but they can get terribly boring and it's also very far from how most of us actually see birds (or trains).
So, no, Anand, don't give up your concept - run with it, explore more or less, and keep us in the loop!

First time in part of the world (i.e. critics corner), so bear with me....

I don't know if this is something that's been done to death or common or if it even works (may be its a terrible idea)

But its something I have tried to "see" and photograph a few times when the setting allows for it. I have a few pictures of birds but in a more landscape-like setting than a the standard get as close as possible shots!

#1


#2


#3 - same as above with selective colour for obvious reason. if selective colour feels like -> I don't blame you


#4 - less leafy and more watery setting (though I am pretty sure this is common)


if people feel I should stop wasting time go back to what I normally do and get close to these I shall also oblige