What a nice light and low angle. I would also re-look the whites, but they might be right. Very good use of fill flash as well. DO you have two catchlights in the eye? I'd remove one of them.
Lorant
I like it, makes you keep looking. The pose, angle and eye contact look very good and the little rock adds interest. I agree on the whites that could go a tad darker and I might remove one of the catchlights.
Hi Mike,
I enjoy your shore bird images very much. Great low angle and composition. I agree with the other comments about removing the catchlight from the flash.
Here's a repost that attempts to address some of the issues mentioned. Toned down the image overall and the whites even a bit more. Boosted contrast a bit. Removed the catchlight from the flash (the one on the right).