Is this cheating (cut and paste eagle) ?

Sometimes I use the magic wand to select subject, then select inverse and then I use one of the "nik color effects" filters, graduated sky blue for example, and shift the verticle to bottom of screen, adjust opacity and then fade as desired. This works well if your subject is in contrast to its background so that the magic wand can get a good clean selection.

Good job on your cut and paste and nice eagle shot by the way. Hopefully the long workdays will end soon so I can get out and play.

Rubberhead, I'm not saying photoshopping is not OK. To use your scenario of a flash, it's you as the phorographer, your camera and the scene. Your skill is as a photographic artist is what you make of it there and then. You analyse the scene, adjust your camera, use your flash if you have to and then 'paint' you picture. Manipulating to extensive degrees in PP, in my view, is another form of art.

Looks good to me.

I like it!

As long as the main subject, bird in this case, hasn't been altered, then I see absolutely nothing wrong here.

Good job and beautiful image!