Adjustments to blue winged kookaburra

[Picasso2]

I have attempted to put into practice your suggestions, Mike and Linda, so here is the revised version, Not sure if I've achieved the desired result, so would welcome further suggestions!!
Thanks
Jean

[Picasso2]

I have attempted to put into practice your suggestions, Mike and Linda, so here is the revised version, Not sure if I've achieved the desired result, so would welcome further suggestions!!
Thanks
Jean

[LindasPencils]

That's nailed it Jean! Well Done!
re the dark paper - no issue with it, it just takes a lot of work to cover it and lighten/brighten it - as you have discovered. But using the soft pastels really works well and now he positively glows.

[Picasso2]

Thanks for that Linda. I really value your input!

[Mike Sibley]

That's it! You got it!

Just one suggestion - in the branch addition that's pointing to the Kookaburra... remove the crocodile's eye.

Or just alter it. Maybe stretch the eye so it's no longer eye-shaped.

Sorry - it's just that the extra piece of branch looks remarkably like a croc's head with a big black eye.

[Laurene]

lol Mike, now I can’t unsee it. Seriously Jean, this is so much brighter! The lighting really works!