Originally Posted by
Mike Buckley
The second revision of #3 works to some extent, but notice that the background now actually has more contrast than the first one. That contrast is distracting. If you could work with the revised background but reduce the contrast, I think you'll have a much improved image. Perhaps do that by selecting the highlights in the background and tone them down quite a bit.
Also consider warming up the background a bit, as the new bluish tone is cold and doesn't complement the warm tones of the bird.