I think it was probably the light on the day itself Daniel that was too contrasty, not so much the processing. I've not checked the whites via a histogram and maybe they are just within limits when checked although the front of the head between the eyes and above the beak have no detail. Maybe if things were tamed down a little it would improve the image. I'd maybe give a little more space around the gull too. I should've been more specific intially, apologies.