Thats a nice little shot of the big bird.
A few things to have a look at. you have a green cast though the back ground. are you using gimp or PS?
in any case look at your histograms and either in levels or curves back off the green channel this will move the back ground to a more blacky grey colour. Though do remember though that area there is mass's of dust that has a browny red tinge to it so your background wont be really black in any case.
Here is a shot of M42 that i did a fair while ago with the 10" and QHY9.
Im glad that you are getting used to your system
many good things will come of it!
Brendan