The image has potential with the balance of the birds in the crop you have chosen. It's unfortunate that some sticks are running across the head of the left-hand bird. The main issue with the image is the sharpness. I don't think it's focus because all elements have a softness to them. I can see a halo around the bird's head. Was it a heavy crop? Could be camera-motion blur?
Thanks for the comments, John. I realize this would be a "better" image without the branches, but that was the scene. I didn't preview this post and I'm surprised at the focus. The original image is sharp as a tack (with a little PS sharpening). I had to resize this image 6-7 times to get within the 150KB limit of this board. And, unfortunately, forgot to resharpen after reaching the right size. Don't know if others have the same problem (I use PS Elements) but the smallest dimension had to be resized to about 460 pics. The halo, isn't a halo at all. Its a strip of pure white plumage that runs along the top of the head. Given the focus of this image, I understand why you thought otherwise. There is however, a slight halo along the back of the neck of the bird on the right. This is a pretty substantial crop - I need a 500!!