Poll question - which Junco do you prefer?

I like the winter scene which is lost with the crop. The junco itself is better cropped though. Please which one do you like better?

I also would be thankful for any comments on how to improve. Thanks to all. Good Birding.

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#2 for me, Greg, although I think choices such as this are purely subjective.

My subjectiveness agrees with Harvey's..

#1 for me. Good work.

I'd also subjectively choose #2 Greg. I know it's always a problem but some more direct lighting might help, maybe even a little fill flash.

#1 for me but it seems a bit dark on my monitor....with snow (and I don't get too many of these types of images) I like to see more environment.

I like #1 as well. I think it will look much better with added exposure and maybe adjusted white balance, it looks very dark on my (work, uncalibrated) monitor as well.

# 1 for me. I like seeing more of its surroundings. I think it would be better a shade lighter.

Hack

#1 would make a nice Christmas card. I'd brighten it up a bit, too.

I was going to say #2, till I saw the lighter version, I think I go with #1.

A lighter version of #2 would be my choice

Hi Greg - are you OK with image editting? (It is not indicated in your profile)

Thanks to all. I've learned a lot form your replies. They are very much appreciated.

When I took the pictures, they were actually overexposed to me. I can tell from everyone's comments that I darkened it too much.

Another thing I learned - save the original. The posted version is my new starting point so now I am going to lighten it up from the darker file.

Comments about 1 vs 2 were all interesting and I can see it is subjective. I liked them both so I had trouble picking.

I absolutely do not mind "image editing". I can learn from all your input and ideas.

Thanks again.

Good birding and Keep 'em Flying.

i like the lighter #1

# 1 for me