I captured this Killdeer on a kayak outing. The bird was feeding right at the waters edge. The day was overcast giving a softish light for that time of day.
50D
500 f4L
1.4
ISO 800
1/500
f8
hand held
full frame
I like the ruffled look too. The feathers are really worn- the bird needs a moult! I would give a bit more room to the left and at the top. Slightly less of a head turn towards you would be optimal. Do you have all of the plant at the LR in the original image? If so I would not cut it off but include to as interest and some green colour. If not I would possibly crop our or remove.