Singing Sparrow

[Charles Scheffold]

Took this during Fall 2010 - forgot about it, but Doug Brown's beautiful Singing Blue Grosbeak reminded me :)

Canon 1D Mark IV
500/4 + 1.4x TC
1/2000s, f/8, ISO 800
~5MP portrait crop (original was landscape)
Cloned out leaves from around edges of the frame

I also removed some branches/leaves from near the bird's tail, but I am not sure if that makes the image better or worse. What do you guys think? A or B?

Image A (without the extras):

[Charles Scheffold]

Image B (extra branches near tail):

[Craig Brelsford]

I like your caramel BG, and your Photoshoppery in the LLC adds slightly to the image. The light was getting harsh, for the sun was high; the shadow on the tail is unfortunate. Good singing pose.

[Stu Bowie]

Charles, Im going for A. IMHO, the lower leaves do not add anything. He looks like he's in full song with this pose, and good to see the open beak. I like how the BG leaves follows the line of the back of the bird.

[Chad Caswell]

The colors go wonderful together on this one, very very nice capture Charles.

Chad

[George Cottay]

I like how the branches in B "further explain" the tail shadow.

[Jonathan Ashton]

The leaves don't bother me one way or another but I suppose I prefer A it looks just a little cleaner. The detail is superb and the image is well timed.

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the singing pose you captured. I wish the lighting was less harsh.