Learning Something New - Watercolor

For decades i couldn't take watercolor seriously. It never appealed to me and i think it is because i didn't believe it was capable of bright happy colors or much contrast. A few years ago, i came across a painting in a book that changed my mind. It was a waterfowl of some kind....maybe a stork....standing in a swamp. It had deep darks and bright blues and even pure white highlights. (I wish i could remember the name of the artist.) At the time, though, i was occupied with too many other things so i still didn't look into watercolor.
Recently i came across Maria Raczynska's You Tube channel and i was totally inspired. She posts videos regularly of her painting process and they are all lovely.
So far i have done several practice pieces, one commisision of three florals including calligraphy, and here is my latest attempt. It is a gift for a friend who loves roosters. :)