Le Conte's Sparrow (Ammodramus leconteii)

I'd like to share this image with you if I may and seek both advice and comments from you.

Prior to our return to the UK in December I try and take every chance I can to explore the local area it's so vast and at first glance almost empty within it's vastness sounds Irish I know but it's the feeling it gives.

Within Kansas the wind is always present along with harsh light so all sorts of factors exist. Early morning light can be magic and enhances what at other times may appear plain subjects.

I liked this setting coupled with a uncommon species but having taken a full framed shot I'm happy with the result or should I be looking to improve the image? If so in what direction?

Canon 1D3 Canon 800mm ISO800 f/6.3 1/400sec HH

Thanks for looking.

All Comments, Advice, and Critique most welcome.

I like it Barry - the only thing is that the background is a little cluttered around the bird and there is a stick which seems to come out of its head. Otherwise, I really like it

Oscar

Clone out the stick as Oscar has said and lop a bit off the rhs and that is a lovely shot.
eric

As said shame about the stick coming out of the birds head, doesn't look like your subject was going to give you time to reposition yourself...

It's very beautiful Barry, - wish I had taken it! I think I might take a slither off the left hand side and a tad off the bottom - it's very minor.

Hi Barry I have come back to this several times and I still find I like it very much. would love to see it onA1 such a sense or prairie about it.

Thank you all for the comments. The stick surgery is a bit up market for my PS talents at the moment.

Paul I'm in total agreement as I tried without success to describe what appears vast expanse of prairie, sheilds such tiny jewels to behold if you can find them. Let's call it a unicorn Le Conte for now.

A tad over to the right barry giving the bird more room to look into. I really like this,great light and feel to the image