Looking at this now, I like it better than I did during the challenge. Free study's are so hard for birds to do well in too. This has a great form to it. Does the flash scare the birds off?
I really like this shot , as per my comment earlier if only the head was sharper. Still FWIW it does not deserve a score below 5. From the image , the way you processed it, composed you definitely have the all important vision of a great shot.
Keep it up !!!