The bird was sort of blocky, I wasn't very fond of the claw either but then again you were confined to the shape already. I like this one much better due mostly to the trunk. His eyes are also awsome, they add to most of its facial expression.

 Was it the blockiness of the bird? Thanks for saying 'good' they're far from that... though I think I'm showing some improvement.

Any specifics on why you prefer this one would be useful.

thank you

 I like this one a lot more than the bird. The bird is still good but this is much better.

 Thanks, that means a load to noob like me. I was trying to implement some of the things I'd learned

I love it!