Tri-colored Heron, Egretta tricolor (breeding plumage):
Saint Augustine Alligator Farm; Saint Augustine, Florida
The Tricolor Heron is one of my favorites of the heron
clan. When I began birding, back in the
day, it was called the Louisiana Heron.
But long before the AOU changed the name to Louisiana Heron, it was
known as "Audubon’s Heron". Of all the
names, Audubon’s Heron is my favorite, and no one has ever described this bird
more beautifully than Audubon, himself.
“Delicate in form,
beautiful in plumage, and graceful in its movements, I never see this
interesting Heron, without calling it the Lady of the Waters. Watch its
motions, as it leisurely walks over the pure sand beaches of the coast of
Florida, arrayed in the full beauty of its spring plumage. Its pendent crest
exhibits its glossy tints, its train falls gracefully over a well defined tail,
and the tempered hues of its back and wings contrast with those of its lower
parts. Its measured steps are so light that they leave no impression on the
sand, and with its keen eye it views every object around with the most perfect
accuracy. See, it has spied a small fly lurking on a blade of grass, it
silently runs a few steps, and with the sharp point of its bill it has already
secured the prey. The minnow just escaped from the pursuit of some larger fish
has almost rushed upon the beach for safety; but the quick eye of the Heron has
observed its motions, and in an instant it is swallowed alive. Among the
herbage yet dripping with dew the beautiful bird picks its steps. Not a snail
can escape its keen search, and as it moves around the muddy pool, it secures
each water lizard that occurs. Now the sun's rays have dried up the dews, the
flowers begin to droop, the woodland choristers have ended their morning
concert, and like them, the Heron, fatigued with its exertions, seeks a place
of repose under the boughs of the nearest bush, where it may in safety await
the coolness of the evening. Then for a short while it again searches for food.
Little difficulty does it experience in this; and at length, with the last
glimpse of day, it opens its wings, and flies off towards its well-known
roosting-place, where it spends the night contented and happy.” John James Audubon, Birds of America
If
only I could write like this…………………………………
Nikon
D7000, Nikkor 300m f/2.8, 1/100 second @ f/5
