Northern Cardinal female with lichen

[Bill Dix]

This female Northern Cardinal and her mate have been the most constant of my backyard birds, visiting my feeders and raising their young for many years. I sprinkled a few safflower seeds into the lichen mass, which pleased her no end. My concern is that the lichen overpowers the bird here, so I tried a second crop option in the next pane. I'd be curious to hear any reactions.

D7000, 500f4, ISO 800, 1/800s @ f/7.1 manual.

[Bill Dix]

Here's another version with more bird, less lichen.

[Karen Forderer]

I like the second crop better. The lichen is still in the photo but does not take away from the bird. The cardinal is nice and sharp. I like the tuft up on the head.

[Randy Stout]

Bill:

She is a beauty, and I like both images. The second really emphasizes the bird, while the first gives a bit more environmental feel. I could see some subtle toning down of the perch in the first one to reduce its impact.

Cheers

Randy

[Melissa Groo]

I agree with Randy, I like them both a lot, for different reasons. Love her crest, warm colors, and that fantastic light and background. This is a real beauty, Bill.

[dankearl]

I like them both also.
Dramatic lighting and very nice IQ.
One of your best backyard bird photo's yet.

[John Cooper]

A beautiful composition of a beautiful bird Bill. The perch is almost as stunning as the Cardinal and both enhanced with the soft, attractive BG. The tighter crop works best for me Bill. Well done.

[arash_hazeghi]

I like the 2nd one, nice pose details and light

[Bill Dix]

Thanks everyone for your comments. I, too, prefer the second one. Hurricane Sandy is bearing down on me, so I'd better post this before I lose power.

[Frank Schauf]

Beautiful portrait, great pose and colours.

[Marina Scarr]

I like both versions for different reasons, as stated by Randy above. Lovely colors and details. If I had to pick one, I'd go for #2.

[David Salem]

I like #2. Better balance of bird and perch. Also the IQ is good enough to handle the tighter crop. Exposed well and sharp. Good work.

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the IQ, perch and pose. I like the composition on the second post. Nice image Bill!