You are getting a lot of artifacts and distortion due to the extreme cropping. I tried to check your exif info but apparently Caedes is ripping that out? If your subject was that far away, then it was that far away. Your lens will only make it look as if you weren't that far away. I find with my 300mm that I still need to be pretty close, especially to get a shot as close as you have it here. As for the original, I would have thought it would have done better at 15yds too. Perhaps not, now that I think about it. 15yds is actually pretty far away for such a small subject. I'm outta here was taken at about 4yds at 300mm and the image was only barely cropped to fit Caedes, just for point of reference.

Oh my, someone looks cranky! Good close-up with details. Not sharp, but that gives this photo a softness that is appealing. I like the pastel colors in the background - goes well with the colors of this feisty wren. Thanks Mike :)

Hi, Mike
that could be a good shoot if the focus on the bird was exact because your bird it is a bit out of focus it blend with the back, practicing it is the key, go on Egggray bird pictures you can see almost perfect one’s an i am sure he didn’t get it this way when he start taking pictures of birds, send him a personnal message to know some tips from him
Keeeeep going

Hey Mike,
I definetly like the cropped version better. You can see it so much better. The only complaint i have is it being a bit out of focus. But it's really good. If you do decide to change it, I would love to see how it works out!

In focus, out of focus, it's all GOOD !

E J

cropping definitely helps the composition, but it looks like that distorted the quality a little bit. I would like to see the original maybe.

awesome work my friend!!!!
this wren is just lovely!
you caught its' attitude just right!
hugs!!
sue