Thoughts on this edit?

[Flyboy]

Marvelous photo! I like the first B&W, it is a more realistic portrayal of the creatures' coloring. I didn't notice the wing until it was mentioned. I can see how contest judges might be disturbed by the wing...I guess they are looking for "perfect pictures" to the detriment of sooc photos, with cropping. Ah, well, that's life nowadays.

 

[KurtH]

...so much of the judging is dependent on someone's whims

Indeed.

I love the colored, desaturated version with the wider frame...how amazing! It was enjoyable to explore the picture for a few minutes, lots of details. Seems to represent the many symbiotic relationships in nature, this being one of the cuter ones.

 

[Anjin San]

I like the color version better…but then for me B&W is more of a just looking at tones thing and I don’t convert too many shots to it.