Thanks for the compliments. I took this shot after I had folded up my tripod and was walking out of the park so I wasn't ready for it, but he/she was patient and let me rip off a few good ones. I agree about the feet, but IMHO it can go either way, in one sense, it adds mystery and focuses on the subject itself.
Also to be modest, the shot isn't perfect being that there's a small twig and a strand of Spanish moss coming into view of the bird. Also, I would have preferred not to have the feathers or whatever it is on the beak. :)
I just like that you were able to capture it and get so good of a focus on it like you did. Yes there are distractions but I just like seeing birds that I haven't seen before and did you ever capture such a good eye shot. Good job Alex.