Canada Goose

Richard, what stands out to me about the image is the background.  I think some might take issue with the fact that it's split down the middle color-wise, but to me it looks like the goose is bursting forth from the surrounding similar brown tones into the blue, which I think is kinda cool. 

Max

Interesting how backgrounds can work. The thumbnail wasn't very promising to me, the normal shot however was already quite nice, but the larger version actually is splendid ! Unconventional composition, but in the larger version very much appealing to me ! Cheers, Hans

I too like the background, and before even reading other's comments, I thought how the background and the feathers of the goose complimented each other in color, and to some degree, the texture.  Nice shot, Richard, and yes, good to remember the cooler days when you are in 110 dgree heat.  We are enjoying a nice cool down here in NC. 

Really like this. The goose bursting from the background is what makes this special. Well done.

I Richard
You have a nice winter post card here, nice work.
Peter

Sweet image, Richard.  I always like the cottonwoods down there as backgrounds and this is no exception.  Beautiful light and nice wing position and eye contact.

Nice catch, Rich. You were fortunate to get the light in your favor on the bird against the BG. Nice work 

Beautiful light on this Richard. Great detail in flight too.

As others have stated, the background is quite interesting in this image.  There's just enough detail to figure out what is going on and place this as a winter scene.  The light is real interesting and is somewhat desaturated giving some warm brown tones to the popping Canada goose.  I like the whole appearance and feel to this photograph.  If I were going to make any changes that all I might drop the position of the goose a few percentage points in the frame towards the bottom.

I agree with everyone else that the background really makes this image special.  There is enough detail to provide the context but not enough to distract from the bird.  The background colors compliment the colors of the goose also.  It does appear to have a color caste but it gives it a nice warm feeling.  As David mentioned, I would suggest cropping a little off the bottom to drop the bird's position plus I think the slightly more panoramic aspect would work nicely with the long bird.  A very nice capture, Richard, and the large version is particularly nice!