Lovely photo. Which lens do you use? I have a 14 - 150mm and am researching some with longer reach for my 4/3 system (impotus being birding). Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.
I really appreciate the offer, but at the moment I am focusing on feedback and advice, rather than demonstration. Being at such an early stage I would like to see my own editting progression (as advised elsewhere, I plan on putting this image to the side until I am more confident with subtle editing on such an image).
It was shot in RAW, but I am incredibly new to editing in software not on my phone. Another comment mentioned curves and levels which seems to be the route to go, but it is very daunting going that route for the first time. I intend to do a little research and have a go at lifting the shadows just enough to ideally see more of the face (as they are the lighter feathers anyway).
Edit: This worked, wasn't sure how to upload an image inside a comment. 
Oh, a lot here definitely have the forked tails here. But typically when they are less 'fanned-out' as in this picture.
Edit: I just looked at some of the other pictures and most do have the wide fanned tail, maybe because they were flying slowly, scanning the ground for something (there must have been something interesting nearby as there were a few around).
We have a lot where I live, I am by no means an expert but it may because it was making a hard turn.
Thank you. This is probably the advice I needed to hear. I know I will need to come back to photos again as my skills improve, but because this photo was so incredibly lucky I wanted to really lean into it.
Thank you, I did look at them briefly, but everything went very weird, very quickly, more research is definitely required. Do you recommend any key resources?
A lucky snap of a red kit turning in some sun. I love the way the tail is illuminated and tried to brighten the body a little, but I am still getting to grips with editing in 'proper software' and would love to get some feedback.
I just started a trial of Capture One editing software... My previous editing was on Google photos and a bit of snapseed on my phone. I am still pretty heavy handed, but I would love some feedback.
First thing I would suggest is to be kind to yourself and forgive yourself, and then... baby steps. Not only do baby steps eventually compound but they prevent any over training from holding yourself to old expectations.
I listened to the audiobook from Audible (GBP £8 ~ US $10) and would definitely say it was worth it. However, I understand the differences between the Martian and PHM can be divisive, but I loved it.
Only one from your list I have read is Piranesi, but I just had to say I really enjoyed it. I'm a big fan of the genre so it was admittedly right up my street.
Some titles from my 'Short' TBR list include
In terms of waiting I only have a couple
Edit: removing a spoiler that didn't get redacted properly.
I have spent so much time trying to implement this approach, but my lizard brain seems to also take over in these moments. I am making great progress, but I think I have some more work to do on myself before I can be what my children need from me when they are experiencing tantrums.