Little Blue Heron

When I get a shot similar to this, I am really excited about getting wing shape and spread on a very tough, tough shot of a flying bird. Hard to track and focus. I personally fall in love with these images when I take them, but a couple months later I realize it has some possible flaws.  This bird is dark on its own and is blue, slightly back lit, and against a blue background. If this was shot with Aperture priority, the camera will decrease the exposure for the brighter water, which makes this bird significantly underexposed (IMO).  I think it would be OK for the background to significantly brighter with specular highlights. Maybe increase exposure compensation by 2/3 to 1 stop or use manual exposure all the way to keep the camera from misreading the backlit subject. Last, the amount of downward angle flattens the bird against the water. Consider getting down closer to surface of water and shooting more across or up at the bird.   Stopping the action was great!