I agree with Axel...I found myself thinking the bottom was tight in the frame. I wish I had these birds in my area - they look like such fun to photograph!
You did a nice job of getting good detail in the black feathers and I love the clear eye/catchlight. Also, you might run a bit of noise reduction on the BG.
Ted,
The image is sharp, well exposed and I really like the pose.
IMO a little more room top, bottom and right would put this over the top.
Thanks James
Hey Ted, nice one of the Pileated fellow! Exposure and sahrpness bang-on. I bit more room wouldn't hurt - especially at bottom. I love the raised crest. I also love the birch trunk, I will have to go plant my "derriere" there next time at that location :-)