Yet another original creation? Nicely done!
My initial reaction was that something might be wrong with the shading or something.
Then I read the description, and decided I should take a closer look.
I'm glad I did. You literally created each individual feather upon your creation!
The amount of patience that this must have taken... jeez.
Feather's catch light differently, and you accounted for this fact.
If one had never seen the way a feather catches the light, they might assume the shading was off a bit.
By the way, upon close examination, I'm noticing a handful of darker lines surrounding some of the limbs, and occasionally extending beyond them.
...which prompts me to ask... did you, per chance, create the original idea for this creature by hand, or as an outline on the computer? (at least, initially?)
The attention to detail, which is downright extraordinary, says you've earned another amazing score.
Not only that, but when you look at it from farther back, it exhibits an a three dimensional-ish quality that really brings it to life, as is characteristic of your artwork.
Once again, my only reserves lie in the black line surrounding it's figure.
My opinion, is that it somehow takes away from the beforementioned effect.
That being said Still amazing work. Nice job.
Btw...
I do not mean to be offensive in my noting of the dark outline.
I just try to mention what I see, when I see it. :)
If I have offended you in any way, for noting that, my apologies D:
Just remember, The style is your own :) So you should always be the one to decide on what should and shouldn't be there.