Canon 1DsMII, EF 600mm f/4, 1/50, ISO 200, f/11. Gitzo 5540 with Wimberley II, Early morning light on a cold morning. I was very close (near minimum focusing distance of 18 feet).
This is a sharp, beautiful image. The diffused bg really helps to focus attention on your subject. However, if you would have had light on his eye, the image would be even better. Perhaps if the hawk had turned its head, but unfortunatly, you can't control that. I might remove a little of the empty space above his head. Overall, this is a great image.
Very, very nice, Bob. I like it as presented. If it were mine I might try to make the colors on the bird pop a bit more but I might regret it. The pose makes me think about the bird. What does he know that I don't? ;-)