I didn't vote in this challemnge. It definitely is a soft pastel, with good composition and appealing subject. I like it better than the third place bird. Maybe experiment with the technique the that one used to alter just the background darker or a different color tone.
I agree if the ear wasn't in focus it would be even better. Maybe a fog machine or some digital fog, if it were aloud, or spot blurring would easily adjust that aspect.