I also think the first image is the one out-of-camera. Over the birds left wing tip looks to me like a dust spot from your camera. Or maybe it’s an out of focus bug, but I know your style of editing, and you would have removed that spec in Photoshop. Which means the second image could be the photoshop image, but I honestly can’t tell the difference. Your photoshop skills are great, I don’t see any tampering in either image.

Keep up the posts Mr. Morris, you continue to inspire with your photography.

YAW. As the sun is usually somewhere in the south I am sure that I am often pointing the lens somewhere to the north. Using your hand as a grey card is not done easily with a long lens :). My system works well for me. And the last time that I checked the sky is always available. There are many other options and all work well as long as you understand exposure theory (as detailed in ABP) and your camera’s meter. artie