Beautiful details in the blacks and amazing red eye. If possible a slight move to the left may have put the head against a clearer BG. May be worth trying a version without the vertical stick on the right and with some taken off the top. Lovely and sharp.
Hey Neil, terrific details in the blacks and what a great red eye contact! I like a lot the perch and prefer the original version but I find the OOF branch in the BG a little bit distracting. Very cool species BTW
Great job on this bird Neil...wonderful details. I like the mesquite branches as this bird is usually found in the palo verde trees. Lots of these birds in the Tucson area this time of year. The white wing patch is striking when this bird is in flight...tom
My vote goes to Tony's crop because I find the vertical branch in the original too distracting. I love the thorny branches and tiny leaves remaining, and the pose, exposure control and details are outstanding. Beautiful image.