This is one of my most favorite images that I shot sometime ago at the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park in Texas. As is often the case in the Rio Grande valley, it was quite windy that day. I like the way the effect the wind had on this guy's crest. He looks like he has a real attitude. Wonder what you think of it.
5D, 300mm 2.8, 1.4TC,
f6.3, 1/500, ISO 800
Selective sharpening of bird and perch, removal of some branches rhs.
I like the bird a lot, especially the eye and crest. Maybe take a tad off of the left and top to move the bird more away from center. Also would desaturate the green sprout behind his head.
Great looking bird! Love the pose, tuft, head angle and OOF background. Agree about a bit off the left, and maybe a corresponding amount off the bottom IMHO. But a beautiful image as posted.
Mighty fine looking image, agree on a bit of the left and bottom, will place bird in better position !! Love the bg and overall feel, pose with raised crest is just great !!! Big Congrats !!
.... this is an excellent illustration that you don't have to zero in on the bird for coming up with a sweet image, incorporating the bg will do just nicely !!!