Killdeer - juvenile

What a cutie! I've never seen one at this stage - only newborns and adults. Nice pose and habitat.

I'm guessing this is a pretty large crop, as there is lots of noise, so a round of NR on everything other than the bird itself would help.
Then, increase the exposure a little, and add some more contrast. Try a little more red and blue sats.
It still may not end up just as you'd like just because of the large crop.

Sandy

If it is brightened potentially strengthening the midtone contrast might help. It is a sweet little image!

love the pose and the setting here, John. the clipped reflection is not a big deal for me although if you don't have all of it, you might take a little more of it off (depending on how much you've cropped already). I'd prefer the bird a bit farther left in the frame. I agree that this is too dark and would try brightening. In the field, if you have a cooperative subject, a histogram check after the first burst of shots can show you that you need to increase your exposure.