I think there is a difference between eye contact and seeing the eye....In my opinion there is no need for eye contact with the photographer. In many photographs which show eye contact with the photographer, the bird isn't relaxed at all. It is nice to record natural behavior in a way that the bird is fully unaware of your presence and eye contact isn't needed for that. This photograph however shows no eyecontact, nor does it show a lot of the head. I think it would be nicer if photographed from a slightly different angle, so that we could have a better view on the spoon.
I really like the wing position Michael but I agree a little different angle would strengthen this image. Not being able to see the eye from some angle is a loss IMO.
Mike, Interesting view of this Spoonie. I find it leaves me wishing I could see more details in the bird. Perhaps Al's suggestion of a pano crop would help.