As per suggestions, I reedited this with an eye to making the egret more obvious. I started over and cut out the egret from original photo using Topaz remask, then took it and the boat to PS layering the egret on top of the boat shot and experimenting with different blend modes and then taking it to texture effects. What do you think? I know it is less realistic but I'm guessing it wasn't realistic in the fist place.
I so appreciate people taking the time to make suggestions. I know it takes more time but it helps to have other's takes on my shots as well as my own.
Yes, a huge difference! I think you've also made the egret a little larger relative to the boat, which makes it look closer. Between that and the texture, I think it's more balanced. The texture is a wonderful addition -- of course it's less realistic, but it also is more artistic. Beautiful result.
Oh how clever! I didn't realise you could do that in Topaz. Mind you I still haven't discovered how to do layers in PS yet. So much to learn!! I love your processing!! Fav!
The first thing I thought of even before I read your script I was amazed how the bird stood out from the rest of the photo....works well so congrats for doing exactly as you wanted!