I have read the rule of 3rds but for this particular frame I can't figure out how

I should crop it. The first pic is the uncropped original and 2nd is my attempt at it

which just doesn't look right. Tips appreciated and thanks.

Yes, rule of thirds but the head looks crowded against the top to me.

Also, the bird is long so it's hard to leave room for it to breath. It should be back a little. Let me see what I can do, if anything.

Here's one different look. I put the bird about a third of the way in from the left and about a third of the way up from the bottom, roughly.

Very, very nice pic and I like the shallow depth of field and exposure.

For my butterflies I leave some more space up and in front.

Ahah almost same of NeverSure crop

Here's one different look. I put the bird about a third of the way in from the left and about a third of the way up from the bottom, roughly.

Very, very nice pic and I like the shallow depth of field and exposure.

This looks better, with more headroom and forward space.

In hindsight I should have recomposed after focusing. Thanks.

Here's another take of it. Tried to use the rule of thirds, but also the use of vacant space. That meaning, keeping vacant where ever the subject is looking.

Here's another take of it. Tried to use the rule of thirds, but also the use of vacant space. That meaning, keeping vacant where ever the subject is looking.

This crop suggests the bird is interested in something below.

Works well too.