A Snowy Egret (Egretta Thula) in its high breeding plumage. The male egret builds a nest, often in colonies with other water fowl, including other herons and egrets, and then attempts to attract a mate by calling, making acrobatic aerial displays, fanning his trail, and showing his bold colors against his normally-white feathers.
This photo was taken at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. This site, full of alligators, is preferentially selected by the birds nesting here because the alligators keep them safe from other predators, and usually aren't interested in the birds as prey.
Space Coast Photography Studios
- They/Them
- heronfox.pixels.com/
Two Central Florida photographers with an interest in nature, landscape, bird, flower, space, technology, and architecture photography.
A Tricolored Heron engaged in the practice of canopy feeding, wherein the bird extends its wings in a circular manner, shading the water and attracting fish for the heron to eat.
A Snowy Egret (egretta thula) landing in the Florida marsh momentarily appears to be a swan.
Snowy egrets eat small fish, crustaceans, and other small animals at the bottom of the marsh.
