Sugar addict

[Saltairdigital]

I captured this visitor to the feeder on our deck last evening. Camera was in the shade shoot up into blue sky so I bumped the ISO up. There seems to be a lot of noise - don't you think? I appreciate any comments/help on this one. Thank you :)

7461

[Saltairdigital]

Thought I would post the uncropped version also.

7463

[Wicked Dark]

Overall, I think I prefer the uncropped version, but would crop it differently and not so severely as you did. Because the bird isn't quite sharp, I think it would benefit from a bit more distance. It's tough to do with these little guys, but selective focusing on the eye is a step in the right direction. Many birders change from many focus points to one or very few in order to make sure what they aim at is crisp. If you get into another situation like this, pay particular attention which of your focus points is locking. This photo looks like it locked on the feeder and not the bird. Still, it isn't horrible - it's a fun snapshot of a fun bird. I love the sound they make when they go whizzing by.