King Fisher Dive

I'd leave the branch in. It gives the image some perspective and lets you know the bird has just taken off.
Great capture of the bird too, lots of detail and a good pose.
Lee

Hi David!
Great diving pose , dynamics of photo work very well here with steep dive and open beak.I feel if you leave the branch, it adds upto story and if you remove it the frame looks better IMHO.
Jagdeep Rajput

Great capture!!
The branch gives a sense of perspective and is a plus, imo.
Sandy r

Amazing shot! I'd leave the branch as it adds a lot to the image. Great work.

I'd leave it too, it anchors the comp for me. Great pose mate.

Great shot David - definately leave the perch IMO - gives it context

cheers
Rob

wow, David. well executed shot here. I would definitely leave the perch, as it helps me understand that the bird is just taking off. I would consider adding a little canvas to the lower right though. outstanding sharpness, very well done.

Terrific! I LOVE the position of the bird, with open beak. I say DEFINITELY keep in the branch...helps tell the story of the shot.

Hi David,
Excellent details with that 1/6000th shutter. I'm sure it took every bit of that to freeze the action. I vote for leaving the branch.

Ronnie

Leave the branch. Great shot. And do you see it is smiling?

I vote to leave the branch. Great action!

Wow. Great capture. I vote to leave in the branch, it helps confirm the orientation of the shot. I see you are enjoying your new lens and getting great results. Friday was a great morning at Bolsa Chica. Where was the location of this capture, near the palm trees?

Harry

Even if I were into cloning more, I'd still say leave it. Love the almost reckless "bombs away" feel of this.

Max

Definitely keep the branch in the image. First, it was there when you took the shot; plus it adds to the story and gives context to the kingfisher's position.

Leave the branch! Lovely shot, really nice capture with perfect timing. I'd maybe brighten it up a little as it looks a but dull at my end...

First rate though, very well done

I go along with most. Leave the branch. Nice detail and color. Well done.

Thanks for all the posts so far. I guess the concensus is to leave the branch. Great....I just wanted to make sure.
Yes David, I see it smiling. Didn't notice it till you pointedit out though. Thanks.
Harry, this was at Bolsa Chica over by the all the palm trees, yes.
Richard, I may need to recalibrate my monitor.
Thanks for the info.
Dave
I'm BBQing at a birthday party right now so I don't have time to comment on other photos but I will get to them tonight.

Great action and with a bird that's hard to focus on. Nice job.

It does tell a story with the branch in, David. However, deleting the branch with a closer crop on the bird makes for quite a different image: one in which our attention is completely focused upon the bird.

Great job David!

I like it with the perch. The open wings suggest that it is just leaving the perch and the perch thus makes the scene look natural.

Peter

Like many others....yes keep the branch! Great timing!

Super action, keep the branch.

Wow, that's a spectacular action shot David, big congrats, I like the branch.

Fantastic capture, David. I'd definitely keep the branch; wonderfully captured, as is.