That looks great after editing... now I must ask, what exactly did you do? (also, what program?). I use Paint Shop Pro 5, and I want to see if I can get the same result (all part of the learning experience). When I edit, the main controls that I use are saturation, contrast and gamma correction. Did you use the freehand selection tool or something to capture only the foreground? As soon as I know, I'll try it out and post up my result.

As for shooting slower speed with no tripod, I usually do exactly what you said you do, except in this case I was in the clear with no trees, and the seagull was on top of a piling so I had to be standing up. I was just in a situation where I had to do my freehand best.