Pic of the Day

Snowy Egret, Egretta thula:  Black Point Wildlife Drive;

Merritt Island NWR near Titusville, Florida

Snowy Egret, Egretta thula

    These photos was taken during a feeding frenzy as a thousand-plus Great and Snowy Egrets, and Tricolored Herons lined a canal along the Black Point Wildlife Drive.  The Great Egrets and Tricolored Herons perched on mangroves and plucked fish from their leafy perches.  

     The Snowys were very active feeders.  They flew over the canal dragging their yellow toes in the water.  The technique disturbs fish causing them to dart away from the danger, but it made them easy prey for the snowys to snatch from the water.

Top:  Nikon D800, Nikkor 80-400mm f/3.5-5.6, at 400mm, 1/5000 second @ f/7.1

Bottom:  Nikon D800, Nikkor 80-400mm f/3.5-5.6, at 400mm,1/2500 second @ f/9