Snowy Egret with one very muddy foot – Nikon D500, f10, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This past Monday I focused on taking Snowy Egret images after taking photos of a Virginia Rail and Lesser Yellowlegs at a near empty pond At Farmington Bay. There were a lot Snowy Egrets in the area but only a few that I had clear views of. This egret had one very muddy foot as it walked around.
Snowy Egret in a duckweed covered pond – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/4000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
And this Snowy Egret’s over the shoulder and its rump look just made me smile. Since I love to smile I had to share the image. I also liked the contrast between the egret’s white feathers and the red of the duckweed.
Strutting adult Snowy Egret – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/4000, ISO 640, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
When this egret flew in it strutted across the mud with it’s crest feathers raised. Maybe that is how Snowy Egrets show they are the top bird because I have seen this behavior before with this species.
Foraging adult Snowy Egret at Farmington Bay – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/4000, ISO 640, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The Ring-billed Gull in the background of this image was unfortunate but it does give a feeling of depth to the photo that wouldn’t be there without it. I do enjoy the pose of the egret in this frame.
Agitated adult Snowy Egret close up – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/8000, ISO 640, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Another Snowy Egret flew in with an agitated attitude and it had it head feathers as well as some of its plumes raised. I didn’t much care for the gull in the background. I can live with it though.
Adult Snowy Egret at summer’s end – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/6400, ISO 640, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
When the Snowy Egret moved closer to me and away from the gull. I enjoyed the portraits I was able to take of the bird. I think Snowy Egrets can look regal.
Close up adult Snowy Egret at Farmington Bay – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/6400, ISO 640, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The Snowy Egrets will hang around Farmington Bay for a few more weeks and sometimes they will be there in large numbers. I’m hoping to take quite a few more images of them before they leave take wing for fall migration.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Snowy Egret photos plus facts and information about this species.
Very nice series, I think they are the runway models for birding, the strut, the poses, the golden slippers!
What an absolutely glorious series. Many, many, many thanks.
Beautiful shots. The portraits are terrific. Thanks Mia.
So beautiful and graceful!
Wow! Such an attitude! I’m the best; pick me! Love these pictures! Thanks for sharing, gull bomber and all!