Definitely a beautiful bird. Looks like the point of focus was on the bright blue plumage just in front of the tail. I find the head to be a little soft. Additionally I think you would be better if you got down lower if that is at all possible. I think it’s really important to try to be on the same level as the bird rather than looking up or down at it. Yes, sometimes you don’t have a choice. I understand that.
While the second image is sharper, I prefer the pose on the slightly softer image, Terry. The second is obviously quite sharp out of the camera and I think you may have overdone the processing just a bit-the feather detail is starting to look just a bit coarse in the larger image. Nice work.
Hi Terry, I like seeing the eye so well in the second image and the tip to tail sharpness. These are beautiful birds despite their mean streak. Nice catch.
Nice birds, well done. My preference would be the second image. As you sort of look down on the bird (as opposed to being eye level with it), the down-looking pose in the first image emphasises that - on the second it’s less an issue. For me that is, of course . Cheers, Hans