Critique my bird shots

[justin-branam]

I would like some critiquing on these 2 bird shots. also i would like to know the name of the bird in the first shot. thanks.

I couldnt really find anything wrong with this shot, so critique away.

http://www.justinunderwater.com/gallery/albums/album80/MG_5336.sized.jpg

I think i may have centered the subject to much here, and it may have been a better shot if done vertically. what else?

http://www.justinunderwater.com/gallery/albums/album80/MG_5344.sized.jpg

[T.D.]

The first one is a red wing blackbird. It's a nice attempt, but I think you need it to be a little closer to be considered a quality bird shot. Or you could crop out a bunch of the stuff on the right.

I agree with your comments on #2, but it's a really nice shot regardless.

Just my opinions -- I'm no expert.

[Gary Fairhead]

If the Redwing was facing the other way into the shot vs out of the shot that would be better. However the bird is quite far away and the background is pretty busy. Shots at a distance like this can still convey a nice image but ususally only when the habitat is interesting. The second shot is much better and I think I would like it more if the Woodpecker was more to the left looking into the shot.