Getting In A Twist
I thought it might be a nice to pull this one from my files, it’s an image that has not previously seen the light of day anywhere.
Looking at this egret, I’m not sure exactly what has got him in such a twist.
Is he looking at his own reflection in the water?
Is he looking for a fish?
Is he trying to figure out what that big thing is that is floating by?
I’m not sure. What does everyone think?!
Phil Lanoue Photography 
Phil either he’s just hypnotised by the gorgeousness of his own image, or there’s a big juicy fish under there! 😉
Both those chioces sound very likely! Thanks a lot Lucy!
I think he knows what that thing floating by is and he is being very watchful. I would too.
Yes I agree, it’s best to keep your eyes open at time like this. 😀
Hey Phil. Great shot! You can almost hear the Great Egret saying, “Darn gator up and photo-bombed me!”
Glad you like this egret/gator ‘proximity’ pic! Thanks! Gotta watch out for those sneaky gators. 😯 😀
Great shot, Phil. You can almost hear the Great Egret saying, “Darn gator up and photo-bombed me!” 🙂
I think he’s thinking that if he keeps still enough – his neighbor with the big teeth won’t notice him… Great double shot!
Blessings ~ Wendy
Thanks a bunch Wendy! Yes his big nose, big teeth friend is getting a bit too close. 🙂
I’m going with juicy fish.
Can never go wrong speculating on a nice juicy fish! These egrets love ’em! Of course the alligators do too. 😀
Smashing image Phil. There is a lot going on. I keep going back to the picture to try and figure it out. I think the egret has it’s eye on the ‘gator, making sure it keeps moving along so he can go back to admiring his reflection undisturbed. Maybe.. 😉
Thanks I’m happy you like this photo!
I looked at it many times myself and was not sure what the main area of interest and concern is for the egret.
Could be the bird is multi-tasking. 🙂
Amazing photo, Phil. The bird is so engrossed, he hasn’t noticed the alligator! Thank you for your wonderful contributions. Blessings.
I greatly appreciate your interest and kind comments Lizzie!
Maybe the egret is too busy to notice the alligator, maybe not a good thing. 😯 🙂
Simple. He’s thinking if I act odd, that photographer’s going to take my photo and make me famous. You were played my friend.
Wouldn’t be the first time they tried to get one over on me. These critters are sneaky. 😕 🙂
What a remarkable photo, Phil. I ‘m sure the egret is looking at the the ‘gator, rather than admiring his own reflection. Must be a male. 😀
Heh heh yes that could be Sylvia. The egret would be smart to at least keep the alligator in view. Although it is unlikely the gator would bother the bird at this point, doesn’t hurt to be careful. 🙂
Oh no, did he make it?
Yes, the egret was fine, the alligator just kept gliding on by and ignored the bird.
What an awesome shot…. one in a million!
I really appreciate you looking and commenting Sally, thanks!
Caspita che scatto fantastico. L’airone sembra rapito dalla sua immagine, oppure se ne sta fermo fermo per non farsi notare dal coccodrillo 🙂
Ciao, Pat
Hi Pat
L’uccello deve sperare che non viene notato dal grande ragazzo. Ma l’uccello è vissuto 😀
Cheers
He fell in love with himself. 😉
That could be it. That egret likely thinks quite highly of itself. It is a handsome bird. 🙂
I think he is looking at himself but also nonchalantly watching the Gator. I would too! This is a great photo of both of them.
Keeping and eye on a fish, keeping an eye on the alligator. A good plan for this experienced marsh bird.
Thanks for checking this out Molly!
That must be the weirdest neck position I’ve ever seen. Wonder if there are chiropractors for white egrets. I think he’s fishing.
It is an unusual neck twist, bet he could use an adjustment. 😀 I’m sure a tasty fish is on his mind for sure.
My guess is that the egret is fishing but fully aware of the gator. These must have co-existed for ever and it’s like gazelles on the Mara. They know when a predator is hunting and when not. There may be some foreshortening effect here but even if not, if the egret thought itself vulnerable it would simply fly away.
Oh I’m sure the bird is 100% aware of the alligator. The birds also generally know when a gator is in hunt mode. Although if the gator is slick, the bird will never know what hit it.
And as you say, if the birds get nervous that can quickly fly off.
Maybe he’s just having a bad hair day
That does happen. 😀
Great shot Phil, nice reflection.
Thanks Jan I appreciate it.
Preciosa toma!, que bueno que estabas allí en el momento adecuado, lo que me pregunto es como que el cocodrilo no ataca ala garza
Gracias soy feliz te gusta esta foto. El pájaro es muy seguro ahora, el caimán no es la caza. 😀
Excellent picture Phil! I’ll go with the fish
Thanks Gareth, and yes the egret could be fishing. 🙂
Odd position of the neck. At first I thought there was something wrong with his neck…maybe he is question the gator about something.
It is a funny neck position. I bet that egret has a more then a few questions for the alligator. 😯 😀
He’s a narcisist and enthralled with his own good looks. Obvisouly, he’s (assuming it’s a he) the most handsome bird in the swamp.
Yes that’s rather likely. Many of the birds do seem to feel quite highly of themselves. And why not? They are very attractive. 🙂