Egret, opinions please

[dnie]

:scratch I took this picture almost a year ago and loved it. Since then I have entered it in a couple contests locally and it hasn't won when others that I didn't think were as good did. Is there something I'm not understanding here? Other than the fact that every judge has their own opinions. Am I wrong and it really is no good?
http://donna-niemann.smugmug.com/photos/475606392_XurZF-L-0.jpg

Thanks for any help you can give me.

[Harryb]

Its a nice capture and I like the setting. :thumb

On the negative side you have some blown highlights on the egret and it is obscured by the foliage.

[dnie]

Thanks Harry, I did wonder if the foilage was a part of it. I like it, but I can see where it could be seen as too much of the bird being hidden. The highlights too. I have adjusted some when I had them printed, but there is only so much I can do with bright sunlight and freebie software. Or maybe I just need to learn what to do.
I guess a part of it also was my thrill at getting the shot while he just sat there and posed for me.