Agree with Randy, on the expression of this magnificent bird that you captured, Ed.
Perhaps, zeroing in on it's next meal (hopefully, not you :oP)?
Bit of tossup/trade-off, with reference to contrast et al.
That is to say, the lighting is a tad ... a tad, flat. However, if you kick up the contrast you are going to start to lose some of the detail.
Perhaps, some Selective Colour adjustment (whites, neutrals, blacks ... take away and add 'black' for each ... and this is the quicker fix, if you will ... Channel Mixer is another option), till you have achieved the proper balance of whites and blacks and that it suits your eye.
And then, if necessary ... adding in a slight Curves adjustment (Levels will probably make the whites too white) might fit the bill?
That said ... very nice to see your enthusiasm for the medium. :o)
Good good shot. And a fresh presentation to my eyes. Think you done just fine.
Annnnd ... but of course, thank you for sharing your creative efforts ... and this shot ... with us. :o)
This eagle looks stunning in B & W ... looks like it has it's eye on some prey too. I do agree with Les on the contrast ... I have the best luck playing around with the Channel Mixer ... one can also get the same results in Capture NX2, but you probably already know that. Very well done EJ ... love the B & W presentation.
Great job EJ..the detail is something else....as much as I love B/W's...I just can't get them to look very good. Great advice the Les has given you...Might have to give it a try.