I think the result is super, with the birds standing out from the water background well. The pattern and shades of grey are great.

Over here, I can hear the judge saying "Even number of birds!!" and docking you a point. I don't usually agree with that panacea, although in this case, I note that the bird on the extreme left looks to be a different type to the others. If removed, I think it would add to the impact, but don't just crop it off, it would leave too little space on the left as they are all looking that way; clone brush would be my answer.

  Posted: 08/01/2026 07:37:00

Excellent composition! The contrast between the birds and the grey background really brings them foreward. Very nice image.
  Posted: 08/11/2026 23:32:42

Great image with good detail in the birds.   Posted: 08/12/2026 14:45:49

Good range of tones with nice texture in the water particularly the rippled foreground. Your exclusion of the empty pole was probably a wise choice as it would look a bit odd and compete for attention with the birds had it been included. I like the birds all looking the same way as that creates nice rhythym and simplicity although one bird facing the other way would have made things interesting as well.   Posted: 08/19/2026 08:02:11

Fascinated by the birds - the two on the outside don't have as much black on their heads as they others, I don't know birds but they do look different.

As commented above the detail is excellent.

(And I like the number 6!)

  Posted: 08/24/2026 11:12:40