I know what you mean about the space for text. You could also, in those cases, keep a bigger copy as the master file, and crop according to use, like for web display.
Position of bird indicates movements to right side of frame. Less space on right and more space on top kind of working in opposite sides. Just a personal Opinion. Like the wood stumps and raised wings.
I like your composition, and the different heights of the pilings are very appealing. Fabs' suggestion to have two versions of images like this is great. I too, wish that the bird had launched toward you rather than away, but the wings up takeoff position is very nice.