Snowy Egret in mangrovesSnowy Egret in mangroves – Nikon D200, handheld, f6.3, 1/125, ISO 500, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 240mm, natural light

There is a short footbridge at Fort De Soto’s north beach that crosses over small tidal stream that is accessed from the northern most parking area. Walking over the footbridge some mornings I could see Wood Storks, White Ibis, Roseate Spoonbills and Snowy Egrets feeding in the warm, shallow waters. One morning as I was leaving the beach to head home I spotted a solitary Snowy Egret in the mangroves below the footbridge so I ducked down and hid behind the mangroves at the base of the bridge to photograph the egret. The water reflected the green leaves of the mangrove and the aerial roots that hung down added a mood to the setting I sometimes find hard to describe but I can say I always feel a sense of peace every time I open this image.

I took just a few frames and left the Snowy Egret to rest.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Snowy Egret photos plus facts and information about this species.