Perigrine Falcon w/Repost

I debated making a trip to the Ridgefield Refuge this morning as rain predicted tomorrow and for most of next week. As it turned out I made the trip and added a new bird to my collection and list of birds. I've been visiting Ridgefield for over 30 years and while Perigrines are spotted there on occasion I had never seen one. I guess the moral of this story is what most nature photographers already know, some days it pays to get up early, get out of the house and be rewarded with spectacular sunrise colors or coastal sunsets.

Larger view - http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/largephoto.cgi?ref=181365

canon 7D
canon 600mm f4.0L
F/11 1/200 ISO 250
auto window beanbag lens rest

Hi Craig, Very nice capture. I also like your drop shadow presentation.

Congratulations Craig! Great find and capture!

Several suggestions both here and in Avian suggested more CCW rotation and I agree he looks a lot better.... "Thank you!"

For what it's worth, Craig, I prefer the less rotated version. I think using your first version but cropping it with more slightly more room in front of the falcon (but less than in the rotated version) might look even better. I like the looming effect of the first one, but it's too centered with the eye line leaving the frame. Of course, it's up to you, but that's my gut.

Hi Craig, I actually like the second post the best. I kind of felt that the first had a bit of camera tilt. I guess it is all in the perception. What is the background?

Congrats, Craig! Great shot fit for a really nice find.
The more upright pose on the repost looks a bit unnatural to me... But agree that there's probably some cw tilt in the 1st one.

Another superb shot of this guy!