American Goldfinch

Colours, position of the bird as if he/she is watching you and not a sideways shot, positioning of the foot on the branch, that nice black half circle on his/her head ... Everything is interesting .. One question though ... The background yellow in this one, is it a natural consequence or a toning added later ?? I dont mean anything bad by that question, but IMHO if the background is toned a bit darker in this one, then the bird will be a lot more projecting I believe .. Of course this is if the yellow is not there intentionally and/or you dont want to edit the colours .. Also, my eye tends to wander a bit more towards those leaves on the left top corner ...I dont know what I would do there though, because that branch also creates the appeal I guess .. Overall, nice work in my openion, doubly because you say that is your first bird shot ... Congradulations ..

Which Lens did you use for this one ??? And if I may ask, the background pattern seems a bit rougher than usual .. Extra sharpening added ??