Bill, I like the effect very much. The raised foot and intense look add to the image. I think you did a nice job highlighting the bird from the environment.
This looks great Bill! The PB texture really seems to compliment the texture and details of the bird. Love the pose you captured too. I'm wondering if you may want to experiment some more with the leaves FG section. Maybe masking that from the PB treatment as well as darkening.
Excellent image, Bill. Love the pose and details on the bird, and the PB effect on the BG. I think, in this case, the "off" HA works just fine. Nice work!