Ok, I'm not really sure how the theme submissions work, but I'll just jump right in.
Here's a picture of a Reddish Egret I took last year on North Beach at Fort De Soto State Park. I posted another picture of a Reddish in the introduction forum that I took last weekend. The birds look very similar. The time of day was also similar -- early morning.
The light is always interesting on North Beach in the morning. I think I may try a flash next time to fill in some of the shadows. The shadows give an interesting look, but it does have its drawbacks when the angle isn't just right. I'm mixed about the half-and-half shadows in this one. I didn't lose all the detail, but I'd rather have a little more illumination on the shadow side for a less contrasty look.
The details are: Nikon D200, 200-400 VR1 w/ 1.4TC @ 550mm, ISO 100, 1/250s, f8
Good self critique here in regards to the light. Flash would have helped, often better to work earlier in the day or on an overcast day.
I like the pose,fluffed up hairdo.
I like the whimsical pose! Very fitting for the theme :-) I find the lighting is close to working here as it is dramatic. Like you, I have mixed feelings about it though. IMO the image needs more room below, and perhaps a bit of counter-clockwise rotation.