This one also from 2017. I removed a flower/leaf cluster behind the bird, but in this OP I've left in the two offending leaves on the body of the bird.
Hi Bill. Very nice capture/composition. I don't find the leaves on the bird's body "offending" at all...natural environment. Nice and sharp, lovely bird colours, EXP and HA. If it were mine I'd crop a little off the LHS and top to place more emphasis on the bird. TFS
Sometimes you just gotta leave the leaves. Good image overall, a bit of a curious pose (not fully relaxed), but I like the flowers and the plenty of greenery. Having the whole stem out of the shade would have been nice but sometimes tough when the foliage is fully developed and the sun is higher. A good late-spring / early summer songbird image.
Bill, as far as setting and complimentary foliage this is one of your better ones IMO.
For me this would be worth saving, however it would be in my 'almost' files. The chest leaf is just a tad overwhelming to me.
Also, couple cloning artifacts between the white flower and leaf to its right. Also, I feel like the bird's head could use a touch more sharpening as it's a bit soft.