Wow! That's probably one of the more fantastic pieces of bird work and coloring I've ever seen. I'm duly impressed. Most excellent and beautiful subject-matter too. I'm going to have to get me some of that Canson pastel paper.

All the elements of this are just perfect: color, leaves, texture. Big win here! :)

I appreciate this comment very much. Thank you! :>

gorgeous birds. Really fantastic work. :3

Minor critique; the legs [though well done] are too high on the chest area. :3
they look as if they are coming from the birds' breast/keel area.

other than that- the coloring and feathers/skin are well done. :D

I know, it does look that way. The main reference photo I used shows the bird in a strange pose - slightly hunched over but with the neck stretched, and a seemingly skinny chest area. These cockatoos adopt a wide range of weird poses - type "Palm Cockatoo" into Google images and enjoy! Really funny birds. ):>

That said, thanks for the critique - the position of the legs was a real sticking point for me in the sketching process. It does look a little weird.

From practice will only come improvement my dear avian friend. :3