Well done with the exposure to get nice detail in the blacks, Steve. DOF covers the subject well. I would probably lighten the dark reddish area in the reeds below the bird. Slightly less head turn to avoid the bill tip merging with the outline of the bird may have been nice - that cloud did a good job for you - diffused light is great.
Nicely done Steve. I like the details in the blacks. The bg reeds don't bother. A little separation on the bill, as mentioned would have been really nice. Really nice job on the reds and yellows. Dave
Waited for the perfect moment lighting wise before taking the shot resulting in that great detail in the blacks - hmmm lesson in there for a some of us (Note to self) :)
My thoughts have been covered by the previous comments. I like the included BG vegetation, but as stated you could tone them down a bit especially under the tail. Well done to take advantage of the passing cloud :-)
Excellent exposure on the blacks Steve, and your subject is placed nicely in your comp. This is nice and sharp, agree to remove the reddish spot below the tail. The OOF grass on the left could also go.