This is a setup. Nikon D700, 300mm f2.8, 1.4tc, tripod. 1/500, f6.3, iso640, cloudy wb. This is about 60% of the original. Brightened the eye, removed straw in front of the face, USM.
First off, great getting one of these.
Your choice of perches is really good.
The BG color and the straw give a real postcard look to these.
Another very nicely thought out setup and executed image.
I can't find anything not to like. Great looking bird, and I love the diagonal line of the perch. Good IQ, and I like the way the bird and perch are so tightly in focus.
I like everything about this. You did a great job with your setup. I wonder if this should be a touch brighter on the bird to bring out a bit more detail in the blacks? That is a minor nit,still a lovely shot,
Gail
Gail