A favorite species of mine, Ed! :) I love the colors that you captured and the way that you handled the exposure (lots of details in those black feathers). My biggest suggestion would be for a more expansive crop that gives the bird more room. It's clear that you cropped one or both of the sides and that is where I feel that the image appears somewhat cramped.
Yes, a sharpening halo is apparent, especually under the bill and along the neck and belly. Great control of the exposure Ed, the details in the black feathers are perfect. Agree it feels a little tight.
Thank you for the feedback. As I guess it should be, I am learning something and seeing something new with every posting. I never noticed the halo until you brought it to my attention. Now I know it is something to look for when sharpening.
And I can definitely give the bird more room. Usually, I get the opposite comment - a need to crop it more! :)
Once again, I appreciate you taking the time to comment.
And Fabs, when I went out last weekend to photograph ducks and such down on the Jersey shore, I keep two things in mind - get low (I spent more time on my belly than I ever did) and look for the proper head turn. So suggestions are not falling on deaf ears.