Thanks snookums, I like it too. I looked through all the birds, and this one went caw, caw!!!

An olive mat isn't an option if I buy it this way. It's a good deal buying print, frame, mat and glass as one package.

I would not describe my decor as dramatic. But that doesn't deter me. I just don't want brooding.

I don't think it's brooding. Maybe if you had a lot of black around.

Like both equally, very nice

The bird seems more pronounced in the first one, if that makes any sense.

I have a group of Audubon prints in black frames with greenish taupe linen mats.

I like the second one but them I'm a traditionalist "purist". The black mat makes it look like a no mat BIG black frame. I will admit that the black does make the bird stand out more but if it were me, I'd go with the second one.

That is my favorite Audubon print. I love crows. We have several Audubon prints and this is one that I would like to get next. I prefer #2.

I like the black mat. I have a large picture matted in black. The guy at the frame store strongly recommended the black mat. I made a deal with him. If I didn't like the black, he would re-mat it and I would pay for the materials but not his labor. He gambled and won. I loved it!

I like the black mat. I like frame no#2, only because I have one like it ;-)

Can you do a double mat with the black mat?

I'm gratified that so many of you like this print. It's really something and I don't think I've ever seen it before. There are so many crows in my neighborhood, big and cocky, strutting around like they own the place.

Always: On its own I like frame #2 as well. But I also like the bronze in frame #1 and how it syncs with the leaves.

I still like both of them. #2 is the sensible, safe choice, #1 is the bad boy.

I think the same way as snookums, that the first is more dramatic. I also like both. Nice crow!

I agree that the bronze highlighting adds a lot. I probably prefer the first. Both look great. It is a tough choice. The second if you are looking for something light and fresh, I guess. The first looks richer, more substantial.

Love Audubon prints!

There is customization available, including an olive-ish mat that snookums suggested, and it looks good. Unfortunately, the more options available, the more I dither, and end up not choosing anything.

This is at art.com and they have almost 50% through tomorrow.

I think #2 is beautiful, while #1 is whoa.

I think you're right!

Just placed my order for #1.

Many thanks to all of you for your input. Sometimes you sit alone in your house going, is this a good thing or not? So I appreciate you all for aiding and abetting me to spend money on this. :p

Glad you ordered no. 1. I was going to say that's my favorite. I really like that print. Does it identify it as a crow, and not a Raven?

Rockybird, you're an authentic bird person, so I'm glad you like it.

You are right. It's identified as a Raven. There's another print identified as Crow that I saw first and didn't notice that my print is Raven.

I'm all Game of Thrones.

I really like the print, Linelle, and like it framed both ways. Of course, I like striking art and this fills the bill. (I have a little painting of a crow hanging right by my front door. Someone recently asked me what the "story" was on it - and I had to say there's no story. I just like it.)

I love that print, Linelle.

I'm a sucker for double mats ... I like the second one. The first looks too much like a wide black frame, no 'breathing room" for the poor raven.

I love 'em both. Great find!

I love Audubon prints and love that it has a story for your house. My choice was #!, I think the crow/raven shows up better as well as the tree he is sitting in. I am crazy about botanicals and Audubon prints I feel they are another way of bringing a little nature into your home.

The bad boy is what I would have gone with! Glad that is the one you chose! Please post when you have it in place.