it is mysterious but doesn't quite work for me...not natural...nice attempt though

José Angel Sáez-Díez (Jasdg): Yes, it is certain, you are all the right. The original one in spite of having great resistances of colors it needed something, but I see that I have not known to find it. Thanks for critical you, Abi

great processing.

José Angel Sáez-Díez (Jasdg): Merci, Chantal! ;-)

Si hubieses la hubieses dejado sin procesar el pájaro estaría camuflado con el entorno. Es una buena forma de centrar la atención en el subject.

José Angel Sáez-Díez (Jasdg): Si, eso es lo que intenté, pero como dicen algunos se ve muy poco natural :-(

Using circular blur to isolate the main subject - no, i don't think it works in a general shot like this, and definitely not when the main subject is so small.

If you want to put emphasis on the main subject, it would be better to enlarge through cropping.

I believe that the circular blur is more of use when you want to create artificial DOF in a portrait to soften it up. Like when you want the newly married couple to appear more romantic.

As in everything else - it is just my opinion and no fixed rule.

José Angel Sáez-Díez (Jasdg): Louis, I think that you are much right in which you say, and you I thank for it. The critic is constructive and it will surely help me to improve in this one and other images. It tell me a thing… What is to enlarge through cropping? How it is made?

Bonjour,
Well done photos on your blog! Very beautiful seascapes! Bravo!

José Angel Sáez-Díez (Jasdg): Merci Jelb. I am glad that you have liked and thanks for you visit

Like a picture through a telescope.

I wonder if it would work better if the blurred area was in b/w?

José Angel Sáez-Díez (Jasdg): Ellie thanks to stop you. I have tested on this and I believe that it is not well as you say. Following the commentaries, mainly of Ellie, I have chosen to raise a version without stumping tomorrow.