First Magnolia Blossom of the season

Just had to take a picture of the first bloom to open on the Magnolia tree -- a true indicator that summer is almost here in the south. The white blossom is as hard to get good exposure on as those white birds. I'm still working on figuring out how to avoid blown highlights on these flowers -- I guess I'll just have to keep trying all summer! This one was taken at -2ev and adjusted by +1ev in Capture. Any suggestions?

 

Thanks, Leigh, for the comments. I mostly shoot birds and wildlife but am also trying to get better at the flowers. The background is a pond, so it will be hard to get it lighter until some lower blooms open and I can get some sky or grass behind it.