They look so funny from the front and this one has an especially funny face. THe highlights are a bit too bright in some parts but there is no way to have rid myself of that unless I started employing polarizing filters in my bird photography which I might one day, but I also needed to focus for it's darker belly and chest.
1DIII, Canon 300/2.8 L IS with x1.4TCII, F/5.6, ISO 500, 1/2000s, Mexico, 2015
A polarizer is not the answer here.
Shooting when the light is less harsh is the answer to your blown highlights!
I like the wispy cloud in the BG and agree he has a great stare.
I would clone out that stick from the bottom in a heartbeat if mine.
Gail
THe angle is a little too steep for my taste. I share Gail's thoughts about shooting in better light.
However, the stare is special and it kind of looks like the osprey was just about to launch.
The little dead stick needs to be evicted IMO!
The light was not your friend here. You did well with a high subject and I love seeing that stare and those ominous talons. I would remove the stick in the back as it is distracting and doesn't add anything to the image.