Sorely underrated in my opinion. The birds in the background just propel this shot. It is actually quite a unique and well done shot. My only thought would maybe to tone down the contrast or whites just a bit. Such a minor thing though. Very splendid photo.
Aww - I was a drive-by voter in this challenge. I know that I did NOT see the birds in the background! I love that bokeh! I love the light shining down on the bird in the foreground - it has a great spotlight effect. I bet it was fun to take this photograph and capture the animals at a still moment.
Do not like the conversion to B&W. Based on you title, I would have kept in colour and try to soften the image just a bite. Also the image conveys fear/stress to me like someone is approaching their nest rather than tranquility. Good Luck. 4.
Nice curve at the bottom. Tones are nice. Like the way they brought the patterns out more. Overall seems off balance with the three birds on the middle and left side of the image.