How Good is my Photo..?? Discussion.. Any tips, Criticisms or Ideas Please..!!

Hi Woo, it's a good shot and not one that easy to take when handheld. I think if you'd have had a sharper image using the lens at minimum distance [which is around 1.4 metres???] on your lens and also at around 100mm instead of the 300mm length. The longer the focal length on a zoom the more the image quality tends to drop off. So maybe f8, at 200ASA, or 400ASA if the shutter speed drops below 100 sec.........and I would use manual focus rather than automatic focus as at close range or macro auto focus isn't as accurate [in my opinion] as the eye.
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Hi Armandll yes thanks for that my friend very informative and helpful not just to me but all our other friend as well,and that is what this great thread is all about

It was taken at 6.30am this morning my owl like eyes were only half open and my talons were a little shaky and then I just caught sight of a mouse out of the corner of my eye when I pressed the shutter button

 

6.30a.m. is not a bad time to take close ups/macro pics, Woo, as the light is fairly soft and seems to make colours more natural. I'm usually on my second mug of tea at that time as Jenny the Cat shoulder charges my bedroom door at 6.a.m. until I get up.

 

One of things that happens, pip, as you upgrade to a newer, better camera is that they are more automated and, if you'r not careful, will "encourage" you to use manual mode less and less. So you have to make a conscious effort to keep using manual rather than using automatic focusing, automatic aperture or shutter speed.
Buying a camera is always a personal choice [after doing some research and knowing what you need, rather than what you want!!]. I'm a Pentax fan and always have been, while others swear by their Canon or Nikon etc. I use my Pentax mostly in the manual mode as I believe it gives you more control and understanding of what you're actually doing. I have a collection of 22 second hand lenses of different focal lengths, some Pentax, some third party, some manual and some auto-focus but I nearly always use all of them in manual mode.
Your Canon 1000 is a good camera and still capable of taking great shots. To be honest I have seen great shots taken on a 5 mega-pixel camera and a lot of poor shots taken on a "all singing and dancing, bells and whistles" camera and it really does come down to the person taking the shot. Of course having a new up to date camera is good for the confidence but don't get taken in by all the marketing hype when and if you do upgrade.

 

Not that I've ever taken a great shot!!!