A photograph that started out in color, and was neither good, or bad. Basically an Egret image like the hundreds on this site. I deleted it.
I later needed a B&W / monochrome image and remembered this. I finished the photo and published it on the B&W group web site.
Turned out to be a photo many of the members thought well of.
Reenforces the point; ‘what do I know’ 😂.
Great Egrets are looking around here, making plans. The Herons have first choice, however Egrets will eventually outnumber them. That gets tricky since the species has never gotten along very well.
Taken at the start of the last stop of the day. This was one of those times we visited multiple locations, with just a break for lunch.
Below a Snowy Egret worked a small salt pond as the sun was low in the sky. A time for good reflections.
Each salt pond had a flock of Egrets, and Ibis at times, preparing to head out to roost.
Merritt Island, Florida.
Many wildlife photographers know the drama and dancing of both the Tricolored Heron and Snowy Egret.
This is the real master of dance the others imitate. The Reddish Egret.
Their entire life is spent on the beaches along the southern coasts of Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. Never inland, on a rare occasion the beaches / barrier islands of South Carolina and Georgia.
Taken at the start of a long, productive, day.
The sun had come up a short time before there shots, however all the subjects were in shaded areas. I will take the shot since some (like these) will be interesting, most though not so much.
The first shot was as the light was still golden on the water. Two Snowy Egrets, and an Ibis, were already out poking around.
Above a Great Egret took exception to us passing by. The brilliant red brush made a nice frame. Too bad I didn’t get a little bit more.
Last a Little Blue Heron wandered towards the middle of the pooled water. It was not deep at all and the smaller birds gathered here.
Merritt Island, Florida.
The sign Egrets will soon be setting up nests.
This bird has most of the feathers, even did a dance a little later. However the green coloring around the lore (the end of the beak) is not vivid green yet.
Nice pose for the other interested Egrets.
Reddish Egrets were around, and in some decent numbers. At the best of times we can be happy with just a few. The other day we had at least 6 in one location.
These birds have a small habitat. Storms, drought, and toxic algae along the coast all effect the Reddish more than other birds.
They are the ultimate dancers of the wading birds. This guy was just warming up.
Merritt Island, Florida.
More late day light shots in the back marsh at Magnolia Plantation.
Sun gets low, a chill sets in, and the reflections are great for a short while.
