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i find it difficult photographing animals (including birds) because

often the background looks so cluttered...here was exception.

My first thoughts before seeing your comments were of the quite splendid dof. A very simplistic shot in terms of composition but the ghosting of the other branches as a frame really works. The shadows on the birdy add nicely to the faintly mysterious feel of the shot. Impressed.

Great bird shot. You caught just the right moment with the turn of the head. I agree the the other limbs add some interest. You could crop a little more or leave it as is. Nice capture. Add a frame sometimes helps pull the image together, or focus of the veiwer.