Black-crowned Night Heron

I cropped this pretty close, to hopefully show the details in the feathers, and also because the background is just more of what can be seen anyway...more duckweed in front of it and the bank behind it.

Too much? Comments appreciated.

P.S. I guess I'm making progress, because I'm now willing to admit it - I am a cropaholic.

I haven't had the pleasure of seeing one of these yet.It looks to be a very pretty bird. Cropaholic- that's funny. The background does more than reveal the surroundings it also is part of the composition or flow of the image and affects how the subject is seen. Here you've cut it really close all around the heron. I like the height as it adds to the feeling of the heron crouching but wish there was more to the left side included.Giving space to the direction it is facing. Just my .02

Thanks, Leann. Agreed.

I think this works better.

Yes I like the diagonal line the shore makes.

I like the second version better, Lance. I like giving the bird some breathing room.

Hi ya' "Cropaholic"! You know me, I'm never satisfied. Give the poor bird a little more room above it's head and just a bit more behind the tail. OK Could you live all cramped up like this? Otherwise, lookin' good!