Male Northern Harrier perched

Which is better? A little change in light, exposure, crop and PP between them. I know I need to work on noise and sharpening.
Rex

wow, beautiful. very regal looking bird

A rare shot I think, Rex, a perched Harrier. I prefer the darker tone of #1.

Very nice!!! I really like the first shot

Beautiful, classic poses... but I think I like the darker detail on the first shot... nicely done.

Dave

Both are very good shots, Rex, but if you're asking for a favourite, then my vote goes to the first also.

The first is an easy choice for me also.
Great photos, both of them.
Its hard to get a Harrier sitting still!

What an awesome raptor. Great purch again with this one. Wish I was as lucky as you with these guys. As far as PP goes here is my crack at a correction with the right image. I didnt have to do much to it. It would be great to have the original raw file though with all the data there. What lens are you using to get this shot, and how far were you?

Number one! Beautiful all around.

Greast shot. My vote is for #1, I like the color better.

--Evan

very nice shots Rex

Very nice and another vote for no. 1.
Al

#1 for me too, great looking Harrier.

Thanks for all the votes and comments. #1 is the winner.
NoA, I was using the 300 f4 with 1.4 with my XSi and about (If I remember right) 75-100 ft. I was in the back seat of a car, hand holding, shooting across another guy out the window.
Rex

excellent shot under some less than ideal shooting conditions.