Swainson's Thrush

[Doug Hitchcox]

When I originally took this picture I thought it was a Veery and kind of passed it off. While I was updating my website the other day I realized this bird wasn't nearly are rusty colored as other Veerys I have seen. So after a little investigating I am almost positive it is a Swainson's Thrush. Being new to birding, this would be a lifer for me so if anyone has a different opinion on the ID please let me know, otherwise Swainson's Thrush is number 217 on my list!

My main question about this image is the proper way to crop it, I feel like it is very centered right now. It was originally horizontal but with excessive branches to the right I made it vertical. I tried making the rule-of-thirds grid using the custom shapes tool in PS but could not find a good crop that followed the rule. I would like to keep this as a traditional sized crop (2x3 or 4x5) I left it with space all around so you can feel free to repost cropped versions or just simply tell me your opinion.

Other nits of the image are welcome. Personally I would have liked a better angle on the bird. It was barely above eye level but still has the feel like I was looking 45-degrees up at it. I would have much rather been in front of it but that would have put a large white house at the background so I feel lucky I still got the slight head turn here. And of course better lighting would have helped. Spring break begins tomorrow and I can't wait to go home and try out the flash I ordered!

Thanks everyone!

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Doug Is there any reason you have to crop to specific size? I just crop to best size I know in my website I need to specify both dimensions and I'm unable to upload many images They just don't look good The handicap is too great

Here is how it looks good to me Just a mater of taste I do feel you have a good crop and its pleasing in every way Only seems a little much empty space

btw something was lost in PS My corp came out lighter Did not mean to change your processing It looks excellent ...... its early !!!!

[Doug Hitchcox]

Thanks Alfred, I guess I'm just use to the traditional sizes, typically when I try others they just look weird, however, as with this picture it seems like I might have to go out of my comfort zone. I had tried a crop very similar to yours but I wasn't sure if having the branch go along the bottom edge like that was a good thing to do. Thanks again!