Towhee Tussle

This looks like a fine catch of the action to me, Jim.  The sharpness of the perch and clarity of the lower bird's eye provide a good contrast to all the motion in the wings of both birds.  The subtle mix of colors works very well also.  I've spent some time looking and debating with myself about whether a bit more room on the right would be good.  The longer I look, the better I like this comp. with it's sense that the upper bird has just flown in and instigated the action.

Very artistic, Jim.  I like the motion blur-there's plenty of visual clues that it's not focus, but blur and implies a lot of action.  I also like your bg.  My only suggestion might be a touch of noise reduction, but the grain doesn't really detract from the image much.

Thanks for your comments and suggestions Mark and Dennis.  Mark, I too looked at this awhile trying to determine if it needed more room on the right.  My conclusion was it was a better balance the way it was.  Your take on the situation is right on.  The bird on the perch was minding his/her own business when the other one pounced on it from the right.  Dennis, I agree there is a bit of noise but I also agree it doesn't detract too much.  When I print it I will do some noise reduction first.  I appreciate both of your comments.  This image is a bit outside the box and I don't expect a lot of people to see what I saw in it.  I have a lot of respect for both of you with regard to your work and critiques.  Thanks again.

I think the composition is fine. Shame you couldn't crank the shutter speed up just a bit hhigher and get a better sense of the right bird's wings while still preserving the sense of action.

Works for me.  Of course would prefer the bird on the right more in focus but the sort of impressionistic feeling the shot conveys is wonderful.