Created before sunrise at Green Cay. I loved the shape of the stump even though the light level was low. I waited on the head angle and took this one frame. In this case the merge between the stump and this beauty made it look like a sculpture to me. I stopped down to get more defined edges ( not sure that was needed?). The light just peeking through to define that one toenail made this image for me. 1DMKIIN 400DO ISO 1600 F8@1/5000
Personally I like the defines edges on the stump, however, some may differ because it conflict's a bit with the naturally "softer" edges of the bird itself.
The sky doesn't do it for me and I'm not sure what I'd do...perhaps lighten it (could go to the extreme and force it to white or just under) or add a touch of warmth to it?
Actually, perhaps lightening it toward white and adding just a hint of warmth to it might do the trick.
I really like John's repost, but I'd prefer the sky color to be one uniform color,,,I guess perhaps because the silhouette is a solid and it seems (in my brain) that the sky should be as well?