Reddish Egret in a still lagoon – Nikon D200, handheld, f7.1, 1/640, ISO 250, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 220mm, natural light
It has been nearly ten years since I took this photo and it remains one of my favorite Reddish Egret photos because of the clouds reflecting on the still waters of a lagoon at Fort De Soto County Park. Sure, I have other photos of this species where the birds fill the frame or that show action and behaviors and photos of them doing their “drunken sailor dance” but this one stands out to me.
The clouds reflecting on the water are only a part of the reason this photo touches me though. It touches me because of the great company I had when I photographed the Reddish Egret but it also reminds me of quiet mornings wandering the north beach with my camera in my hand, the smell of salt in the air, the sounds of the waves coming ashore and the birds calling overhead in a place that felt like home to me. I felt as calm as the egret appeared to be. I can clearly recall the warm water of the lagoon on my toes, feet and ankles and that I stood up to take this frame because I wanted to get as much of the reflection of the clouds on the water as I could. Normally I knelt or laid down in the sand to get the lowest angle possible but for this image I needed to stand.
Today on yet another gray Utah morning I needed to share something from a warmer, brighter time in my life and this Reddish Egret photo filled my need. It also reminded me that I have a bunch of Reddish Egret photos I still need to add to my portfolios.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Reddish Egret photos plus facts and information about this species.
What a great pic! I love everything about it. The egrets reflection along with the balance of color and composition you captured is simply terrific. Thanks Mia.
What a glorious photo. Serene and beautiful.
Beautiful photo of a beautiful bird! Such a serene ,peaceful scene . Makes me want to jump on a plane and go to Florida.
Here in middle VT we are past a foot of snow moving toward 14″! Beautiful shot! Only seen this life bird twice in my life time.
Having just shoveled a foot of snow from my back patio to get to my bird feeder, this photo is just what I needed. This would be one of my favourite photos too. Absolutely gorgeous.