assistance with editing, please?

[Jaten]

Please help me with the post processing of this photo. (Steps I can follow would be great, too!)

I took this photo with my new XSi (just had for a few weeks), a cheapy tripod (yes, I'll get a better one), and the only zoom lens I have, (a cheap one left over from my non-digital Rebel from many years ago).

I've puttered about for years, with the old Rebel, various p & s, and have access through work, to PSE 7 and CS3. For the first time, I'm really interested in improving my skills with shooting and pp.

I like the bird coming in for a landing...can anything redeem this photo?

Thank you!

[seaside]

In CS4 adjusted Shadow/Highlights (bumped highlights). Exposure - bumped exposure up. Had to watch highlights in histogram. Increase Saturation. Smart Sharpen.

This was quick and dirty. Appears the image may have been cropped. A higher resolution file will adjust better.

Hope this helps.

[azsteve-o]

Just my quick edit.
340796

[F4 Cyborg]

working with a such a small file doesn't leave much room for good editing, and I prefer to work with raw files. I know you wanted a path to try on your own but small jpeg files is a hit and miss.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/244/3263300245_fb13e27d70_o.jpg

[Jaten]

Many thanks to those who have responded so far! The edits are a big improvement, and Seaside, your suggestions are VERY helpful.

Yes, it is a crop that was converted to questionable quality jpeg for the purpose of attaching here. I understand the purpose of the image-posting guidelines, but it left me with what you see. (file size and dimensions)

What options do I have for providing a raw or at least a better quality jpeg when asking for assistance?

[LarryD]

Larger files will be from a separate site such as Photobucket Flikr, etc..