Posting something a little different. The RAW was a bit overexposed as I made a mistake on the settings with the dark background which is water in shade. Played around with levels and curves and managed something close to what I was trying to achieve in camera.
30D/EF500f4/f4@1/100/iso800/EC-0.33 - large crop about 25% of FF, levels, curves and rotation.A little cloning of bright areas in the water.
Pieter, loved the composition. Very well seen. IQ has held up quite well in such a large crop for 30D. Loved the light and mood. If mine, I'd make small adjustment to the crop...leave as much space to the right of the bird tail as there is to the left of the perch.
An inspiring composition with the leaf pointing down and the kingfisher on top. Lovely colors on the kingfisher also. Don't know if its an option but just a smidge more room on the right would be beneficial I think.
Hey Pieter, tiny little characters to get decent images, unless you are right on top of them. Most have mentioned the balanced comp, I agree with that all the way. Good light on both the MK and the leaf, and both stand out nicely against the darker BG. Well captured.
Thank you for all your feedback much appreciated. Will try the different comp suggestions thanks as I think the image can manage different layouts but I am also happy with this one for the reason mentioned by Randy and Dumay.