I like the result - who needs a jade falcon when you have a red osprey!

The Magic of Fim! Be careful of trying to make selfies on rocky beaches, its nearly been a mortal experience more than once for me.

you are so lucky to get these shots. Our cat see me coming, gives me the middle claw and scoots off

Hello stranger, great to see you back! Unusual bodyless pose but it works very well, especially up close and with at beaut. sunlight behind.

For me choice seems to fall mostly on the first pic I see, I like the other one =)

Yea this one for me too, the warmth seems to suit the mood better, reckon it would make a good black and white as well.
I really like the image by the way, especially considering you took it as a frame filler.

So much personal taste involved in these assessments Todd. I reckon this one wins hands down, just because I'm associating wood with warmth. I suspect this is much closer to the real thing as well.

I kinda like this colour

Interesting how different they are, agree with Rod's comment on the other being a bit muddy. A nice intimate little forest scene either way.

Overall I prefer your version. The lab one seems a bit "muddy" to me. I reckon if you pulled the highlights back a bit, warmed it up a bit (just a little) and maybe a touch more contrast? But remember I'm commenting from a quite different forest perspective - huge differences between your Pacific NW and the forest colours I'm used to.