Chickadee on the Feeder in the Rain (Stamp Filter)

Here is the color version and the stamp filter version for a comparison. As you can see in the original, the lighting is off on white part of the bird's head, washing the image out. (Afterwards, I'm curious whether Photomatix would have had something that could have helped?) Converting the image into a black and white, the white "hot spot" goes away (the image also changes significantly. Better or worse is a matter of taste, but I think that it is definitely different.) What I like best about the second image is the texture/patterns created on the roof/overhang section of the bird feeder, which seem more noticeable in the second image than they are in the first.

Thanks for stopping by!