Peter, I just went and took a look at the color version. In the color version the rock colors are gorgeous but they do catch your eye. I like the use of B&W here. I like the composition w/ the wings open and the rocks. Nicely done.
Hi Peter, I like your conversion. The image looks nice and crisp with good contrast. I would have preferred the birds not merging and would have taken a bit off the top.
Very dramatic image and it certainly did convert well. I think not having any clouds in the sky area leave the top feeling a little empty so I agree with Dave - I would also take a bit off the top.
Although I absolutely love the rocks, I feel it puts the birds a fair distance from the viewer's eye. You might also look at cropping from just below the first rock and removing a bit from the top and see what you think of that crop as well.
this looks fantastic in B&W. Great subject. I'm with Julie and cropping from slightly above the bottom rock. I'm also into boosting the contrast as it appears a tad flat.
thanks everyone for your advice and comments.... I am still not convinced by the B&W conversion but agree that a crop maybe in order so the rocks do not over power image..I also agree with Micheal on th boosting contrast..