Reflections

Hooded Merganser, Viera Wetlands

Perhaps I'm over-generalizing here, but I think including reflections will help most any photo.  I can't tell you how many times I've photographed birds, come home and seen that I've cut off the bird's reflection in the water with my composition.  I usually think the photograph would be improved if I included it.  So I've trained myself to look for reflections whenever shooting with water in m compositions.

Tricolored Heron, Mead Gardens

When shooting photographs with reflections, it is extremely tempting to center the composition.  The temptation can be almost irresistible.  Of course, there's nothing wrong with doing this, but look for ways to take non-centered compositions as well.  The rule of thirds can be helpful here.  Also remember that the reflection will always be somewhat darker than the subject.  You may need to use a little exposure compensation and raise the exposure a little to let you retain detail in the reflections.  Also, check your histogram to make sure you're not overexposing the highlights in your scene.

Roseatte Spoonbills, Merritt Island

Lesser Scaup, Viera Wetlands