Terrific shot Julie. I think this is a wonderful take on the challenge. The shape is so subtle but yet very pronounced at the same time. Great detail and wonderful colors. congrats on the terrific image.
Julianne, I also thought of Sandy P's photo when voting on this, and think you did an outstanding job with this! I love the curve in his beak, and you captured his blue eye nicely.
I think by cropping the image to include the neck, head and beak only, would have improved the overall image as it gets rid of the dead space to the right and focuses in on the 'S'. Also, a bit more saturation would have enhanced the blue of the eyes and red of the beak. Hope that helps.