Interesting picture that made me look twice, and then study it for a bit, usually a good thing!
The bird is sharp, well exposed. The reed adds an interesting element to the comp.
I wish the illumination was a bit more even behind the eye, but the eye is very nicely lit, which is essential for me.
I might consider lightening the dark branch in LUC so it doesn't stand out quite so starkly from the background. Tends to pull my eye up to that corner.
Hi Gerrie, these guys love to play with "toys". I like the angle of the darter, and he is nice and sharp. Im not sure how long the piece of reed was, but I would have liked to have seen the other end. ( cutting it in PS may have worked ;) )
I like the colours, sharpness and light on the eye and inside the mouth, Gerrie. Reed is a nice touch and adds interest. I might try a version cropping out the perch on the left which would also reduce the softer areas of the image. I'm hoping to get some Mankwe images processed tomorrow.