OK, so let me share MY opinion of the diference between the two (although both have some strong points).

First off, the elements that make BOTH images strong are obviously that reflection (which, by the way, is superior in the second image!), the subtle ripple of the water. The difficult exposure technique used to capture properly, the light fog rising off the water, and the low POV and perfect light angle. And last, but not least, the fact that this is an extremely rare bird that also happens to be in full breeding plumage.

However, the first image is superior in my opinion because of the foot raise (and the fact that it is ever so slightly just contacting the water again), that wonderful little drop of watter falling from the beak (as pointed out by Mike - which happened to be seen in the reflection as well), and the head angle is slightly better.

So what could have made these slightly better? I thing just a bit more light in the eye (a catchlight) may have added a bit more icing to the cake. They're pretty darn good, though. These are like hitting a hole-in-one in golf IMO. Everything has to line up perfectly. You're only going to get shots like this every now and then if you just keep at it. But they are SO worth it! You just have to keep practicing and be prepared for when the opportunity presents itself. These images could have VERY easily ben in the "delete" bin had I not been paying attention to my histogram and making the exposure adjustments on the fly!