Jim: This is a good capture and a better composition with the three diferent textures well represented in the foreground; each dilineated with a different saturation level (water not color). The water in the upper half of the composition is well defined and color appropriate . . . giving the whole a pleasing balance. The image of the bird is a nice point of interest, although the picture would likely do as well without it . . . if not better (it seems slightly out of focus). Other than the bird, I think the work is quite nicely done and, to be fair, I don't think the bird does that much damage . . . I just find it a tad bit distracting. I should caution you also that the presentation, particulary the framing, is (in my opinion) a bit distracting as well. The large amount of open white area seems to be too much and would (again, in my opinion) be better served if it were not so wide . . . I have also found a 1 or 2 mm solid dark border (I like black or any background color that is dark) helps to delineate the image itself from any frame you might add. A good capture Jim . . . nicely done!
Very good ligthing in this one; the warmth of the sun is just beautiful. Simple, with a lot of impact created by the gull acting as eyecatcher. Very good stuff.