This is what I had in mind Milt !!! Not the best example but you can get the idea. The light was bright enough even this dark bird did not look good..... so go for the reflection and forget the bird.
Image made at Anhinga Trail. Had been doing kites in the parking lot and took a peak inside to see if there was anything going on, it was way past decent light.
Comments welcome and much appreciated
Canon 1DsMk2
500 f4.0 IS 2.0X
f 8.0 1/320 sec
ISO 200
Av - 1/3
Alfred, thanks for your illustration of shooting the reflection. In fact, the reflection does not look like a reflection, it looks like the real thing.
I will be on the lookout for opportunities such as this in the wetlands.