Hi Steve Good find !!! like the placement having both on the same plane for dof coverage, good eye contact and I like the setting. That is were they live.
Would try removing the branch intersecting the head of the bird on the right !!! You did well in PS Looks realistic Might also take a little of the bottom and a tiny increase in contrast !!!!
It looks fantastic and the amount of branches you left look fine ti me. It does look painterly, but that is fine with me. I have a preference for the painterly look ;)
Love everything about this image and the composition is awesome. Superb eye contact with both is amazing. Many thanks for sharing this great capture with us Steve.