Pic of the Day

Cattle Egret, Bubulcus ibis:  Saint Augustine Alligator Farm; 

Saint Augustine, Florida

     Cattle Egrets are relative new comers to North America.  They arrived in South America from Africa sometime in the 1940’s.  By the 1950’s they had spread to Florida, and to California by the mid-1960’s.

     I had long awaited an opportunity to photograph these birds in their breeding plumage, and finally had an opportunity a few years ago at the Saint Augustine Alligator Farm.  I have made numerous post on this blog about the wild birds that come to the alligator farm each spring to nest.  If you type, Saint Augustine Alligator Farm in the search box you will find many other egrets species that nest there.  If you have not visited the alligator farm between mid April to late June, you are certainly missing a bucket list adventure.

Bottom:  Nikon D7000, Nikkor 500mm f4, 1/500 second @ f4.5

Top:  Nikon D7000, Nikkor 500mm f4, 1/400 second @ 4.5