Taken today at a local nature preserve. A bit noisy from ISO 1600, I need some faster glass. Taken with a Canon 40D, 100-400mm at 400mm, f/5.6 and 1/250. Slight crop, levels adjustment using curves, linear contrast applied and a slight saturation boost. A few lighter branches in the background are a bit of a distraction, but I was pretty pleased.
I like it a lot Don and not bad for the high ISO !!!
For dealing with the bg noise you can do a layer and paint with Gaussian blur or just buy PhotKit Sharpener Besides having the capture, creative and output sharpening it has smoothing brushes. I like the number three and just go over the bg. Gives a nice natural effect !! Might want to check it out. It is a PS plug in and might have a free 30 trial offer !!!
Thanks for the comments Sabyasachi and Robert. I don't normally think of wildlife photography in B&W, but I do like what you did. I may have to try my own conversion.