Here's another one that failed as B&W

[Matt. K]

They just look better in colour! Take that away and there's nothing left.
http://www.pbase.com/matt_k/image/36795670

[ajo43]

yeah, the blue sky in this one is really nice

[dooda]

Black and white forces one to focus on structure and shapes and contrast. The simpler the better is my philosophy on Black and White. Here you have a nice photo but the contrast and simplicity isn't there. I'm sure the bird and the leaves kind of blend in on Black and White, making it look cluttered and confused. There isn't much to distinguish the bird from the leaves that surrounds it and the blurred leaves in the background.