Before and after a little CS work . Original one is the one with the stump the other after a little Photoshop :)

I like what you did.. it looks very natural and is definitely nice work... But I like the stump .. and I like the original better I think.

Such an awesome image either way though. Nice work

Not bad at all. The right edge is a bit soft though, seems to be doubled-up or "ghosty" in places. A hard edged eraser brush might help that. Also, there is an artifact that repeats three times as the tree extends upwards - that is a cloning artifact and should be removed.

Great shot of the sapsucker, what a gorgeous bird.

Yes i can see the cloning remains as Erik points out but this is a mistake i have made in the past, but its easily recitified, but i like what you were trying to achieve Knight.

Thanks for the input guys :) All what you have said about the cloning i can now see . So i think i will try a retake :) Thanks Again :)

Ok so heres take 2 :) dont hold back Critique is always good with me :)