Here are some pics I took of an Oriental Darter a couple of years ago in Habarana, Sri Lanka. The second pic didn't have great light (the sun was behind a cloud) but I like the pose better...
The first is a beauty and looks very much like our Anhinga. For the first photo you used +1 EV compensation, the second only +2/3 yet the sky looks like it was just a bright (I’m judging by the change in the brightness of the sky. I suspect you needed to be at +1 1/3 for the second. Some of us prefer to use manual exposure to avoid the odd effects of backgrounds on the exposure as we are trying to expose the subject, not the background which is where evaluative metering systems go. Google Sunny 16 to learn about setting your exposure without using your camera’s meter. Also consider using an incident light meter or take light readings from neutral subjects such as the blue sky facing away from the sun, the palm of your hand, or foliage.
both images can be improved with a little processing and adjustment layers. without adjustment it is all about settings and luck, just like film days. The new darkroom is in the computer, although many cameras allow for in camera adjustments. I don't think there was ever a film person that did not manipulate their developing.
#1 has a sophistication about it that is artful, imho
