Like the wings-down take-off position, the perch, and the sky. I wish the bird was taking off angled slightly towards you. There is a loss of fine feather detail, probably due to NR on the bird. Also I think you could go a little brighter. Please try to include EXIF data along with your images. Thanks!
Agree with Doug's comments. In addition, there seem to be JPEG artifacts in the upper part of the frame, particularly noticeable above the bird's bill and head.
Doug, it's great to see you back doing excellent critiques. It has been lonely here :) Did you have to steal my critique word for word?
Gizzo, Welcome, and ditto Doug!
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