Hi Jon, overall colours look much better, but for me it still looks darkish, however. The BKG is more appealing and is going in the direction of what I was suggesting for your Avian subjects. The perch, albeit (great word) has nice texture, but overall it's rather pedestrian, if it's PB he needs to up his game. There are far better sites if you head to Scotland, OK further a field, but the habitat is far more engaging.
Can't see why you use DXO especially when you pay for it, don't get swayed, ACR is far better and free.
Good job in persevering.
TFS
Steve