Red-necked Falcon in pre-flight prep mode

[Krish]

The Red-necked Falcon is a Pregrine-like bird hunter endemic to the Indian Subcontinent and Southern Africa. The two populations are not connected.
This image seems to lack . . something. I can't figure what. How can I make it better? I'm including the original uncropped and a cropped version.
Nikon Z8 + 600mm PF + TC1.4

 

[David Berry]

Krish, I do like your photo.

If it were mine — I wish it were — I'd try to figure out how to remove the blurred leafless branches behind the bird. Maybe, I'd part with some cash to purchase Jan Wegener's Photoshop tutorials that teach the technique.

… David

 

[Woody Meristem]

Agreed, it would be better without the blurred branches. I prefer the uncropped version with t he bird framed by the leafy branches but I'd probably crop a bit from the left side of the photo.

 

[Krish]

Krish, I do like your photo.

If it were mine — I wish it were — I'd try to figure out how to remove the blurred leafless branches behind the bird. Maybe, I'd part with some cash to purchase Jan Wegener's Photoshop tutorials that teach the technique.

… David

Agreed, it would be better without the blurred branches. I prefer the uncropped version with t he bird framed by the leafy branches but I'd probably crop a bit from the left side of the photo.

Took your advice