tricolored heron

A Tricolored or Louisiana Heron. Late in the afternoon, and a bit breezy.

Sitting in the shade, yet still popping with color and adornment - this tricolored heron is showing the bright blue bill, the red legs, and the long aigrette feathers on its back, all dressed up to impress a mate

Another large wading bird common in Florida, and also showing some breeding coloration with the bill turning from yellow to blue

Formerly called the "Louisiana Heron, "this is one of the most abundant herons in the Deep South.

Unlike most of our herons and egrets who are patient fishermen, waiting perfectly still for the moment to plunge their bill - the tricolored heron is a frantic, noisy fisherman - flying out low over the water or jumping in, and plunging his head down while chasing the fish through the water.

Flying past late in the day, as the sun was about to drop behind the treeline - catching the last warm light of the day

Standing in lovely light and calm shallow waters, this one had just taken a drink to wash down a recent fish

Strikes but missed

A few around reserve

We don't have that hanging moss like they do in the southern states. To bad, I kind of like it.

tricolored heron

I was surprised that the heron would get so close to that large turtle, but I guess they know better.

Taken at Eagle Lakes Park in south Naples.

I could have made a series about this one too for Saturday Fun, but I found that shake shot irresistible.

having a scratch. And yes, obviously, my SF series was made up of shots "sampled" from a long set of preening shots. Delia isn't the only one to create a false impression in the interests of Saturday Fun ;)

Sorry I've fallen behind on browsing again. Did a 6+ mile bird count route on slick ice yesterday, and fell asleep for most of the afternoon once I got home. Then after a workout at the gym this morning, I had to: bake bread, do some sewing (still more to go), and record the sightings from...

(shake, shake, shake)

Are my feathers sticking up in back, you say?

Taken at the Marsh Trail, south of Naples, Florida.

As I walked toward this tidal pool, full of different waders at sunset, everyone took to flight just as I got within my lenses range. Except this beauty, who stayed as I walked right to the edge and sat down. Thanks my sunset companion...

When another egret tried to land nearby, this beauty was having none of it.

My dancing friend...

Fledgling lets me close.

Audubon dubbed these beauties Lady of the glades.

This tricolored just begged me to take this picture...