Ok, I took what you guys have suggested and put it to use. I think they are getting better.
I raised the ISO and shutter speed and feel its getting sharper.
I know I have to get a better background, but all the dove would give me before I went to church. I waited and waited, this was the best look he would give me with out being behind a twig that I cloned out.
1D Mark III, 300 2.8 with 1.4 TC. f 5.6 + 2 comp, 1/200th
I like this one much better Denny !!! You got the bird free of intersecting branches, image is sharp and a good head angle.
Although the bg is cluttered it is pleasing and sure like the snow bg !!! The key to these guys is the bird feeder :) btw experiment with the ISO for light colored bg Will be surprised !!!
I like it too. I don't have any problem with the 'cluttered' background. It looks natural and the important thing is that the branches don't intersect with the dove. The snow just makes it for me.