WOW, fabulous feather detail! I think that the contrast between the bright BG and the darker bird really makes the bird "POP" which doesn't really make sense to me but??? I Love this:).
Beautiful bird, and an OK perch (not crazy about the criss-crossing going on). Looks oversharpened to me, and would probably eliminate the OOF branch and needles in LLC. I love the perfect head angle that is turned ever so slightly towards us :-)
Nice pose Gary! The bird looks oversharpened to me too. I would also darken the BG and brighten the bird just a bit. I'll pass on the weekend hike, but I might consider a drive!
Good image. I would opt to eliminate the brach protruding from the back of the bird. Would also apply a little more blur to soften it a bit more to de-emphasis the lines. Bird is fine.