I can see where you're coming from but I'd have cloned it out myself as the framing from the chains does all the work you need to make it a great shot.

nice attempt, you're right and focus is everything with animals, it's all in the eyes apparently and the much better wildlife Tog's on here than me will tell you that too - go and have a look at some of the profiles and there are some stunning shots here, i've learnt a lot . Anyway - captive is the best way to practice - pop to a bird of prey centre and they often put them in open little corrals just jessed to the peg so the don't fly off - there you can paractice with depth of field, focus and exposure to your hearts content. Keep trying and have fun, your shots are a great first attempt keep at it :O)