I previously worked as a news and sports photographer. Recently I have been enjoying wildlife photography. My approach toward bird photos is similar to sports photography. I attempt to capture mostly action and hopefully a unique perspective.
This morning a great egret flew by above the marsh pond looking like he is about to lose one of his long tail feathers. But for now the feather is still attached and trailing behind the bird!
It does not look like a regular feather so I guess it is one of its ornamental aigrettes. They shed those once chicks appear in the nest even though it must be early season still there for your great egrets! The lore is not very green though.
Some egrets still have chicks in the nest in our area here, but not all egrets nest and acquire breeding plumage and green lores. I would say a good 80% of the egrets and herons we see during the Spring are not in breeding colors.
The trailing feather is cool, but what struck me this time around was the way they tuck their long necks unlike the cormorants who appear to be more streamlined. I wonder which is more aerodynamic.
The egrets really do fold up their long necks for flight. The blue herons often fly with the necks straight out.
Cormorants seem like they are lucky to get airborne half the time, they are not the most graceful of birds.
Yes Maggie the egrets and herons are similar and I think the great blues are even more prehistoric looking in flight then the egrets. Wood storks same thing.
Thanks for looking!
What a great shot! I’m fascinated from this straight line with the feather in the back, looks so cool. And wonderful contrast and sharpness.
have a great weekend, LG Thee
When I saw this egret approaching something did not look quite right. Glad I thought to take some pics because often I just look then think later…why didn’t I grab some shots?! 🙂
Very nice.
Thanks so much for looking.
Ein fantastisches Photo!!!
Ich bin froh, dass Ihnen das Foto! 😀
Great catch
Thanks very much.
Love it. Birds look funny when feathers just don’t fall out. Look like they need a combing.
Glad you enjoyed this photo. It is funny how sometimes just one feather out of place can really make a bird look goofy.
What a great shot, well done Phil.
Thanks Jan I appreciate it.
It does not look like a regular feather so I guess it is one of its ornamental aigrettes. They shed those once chicks appear in the nest even though it must be early season still there for your great egrets! The lore is not very green though.
Some egrets still have chicks in the nest in our area here, but not all egrets nest and acquire breeding plumage and green lores. I would say a good 80% of the egrets and herons we see during the Spring are not in breeding colors.
Cool. A Great Fregret Bird.
Ha! Yup that sounds about right.
The trailing feather is cool, but what struck me this time around was the way they tuck their long necks unlike the cormorants who appear to be more streamlined. I wonder which is more aerodynamic.
The egrets really do fold up their long necks for flight. The blue herons often fly with the necks straight out.
Cormorants seem like they are lucky to get airborne half the time, they are not the most graceful of birds.
Great capture of this funny scene
Thanks I’m glad you like it.
What a capture! The blue sky, white feather, the trailing feather… too beautiful!
I appreciate it greatly Amy, thanks!
Funny! 😉
It was funny to see and I’m happy I got a photo.
cool capture!!!
Thanks, glad you liked it!
Crisp! Love the nature moments you capture. Great photos with a twist 🙂
Thank you very much Jane, I try to present a unique view whenever possible. 🙂
Such a delicate tracery against the blue of the sky. The egret looks quite prehistoric in flight, like the heron, doesn’t it?
Yes Maggie the egrets and herons are similar and I think the great blues are even more prehistoric looking in flight then the egrets. Wood storks same thing.
Thanks for looking!
Beautiful pic, Phil. You don’t miss a trick, do you? 😀
Thanks Sylvia I try to stay alert out there! 🙂
Well, I guess you need to have your wits about you, what with all those ‘gators around. 🙂
Don’t forget the tourists, they can be more troublesome at times. 😀
This one was the role model for the Fighter.
I think you are right about that!
Hi Phil,
perfect captured, great work, love your pictures!
Wish you a nice day
moni
Thank you moni I am very happy you enjoyed this photo!
Perfect capture, Phil! You always have the best photos of birds in action.
Thanks much Gracie I truly appreciate your very kind comments.
He he he nothing escapes from your camera 🙂 This is great shot. but also extraordinary too.Thanks and Love, nia
Thank you very much for your kind words Nia! 🙂
What a great shot! I’m fascinated from this straight line with the feather in the back, looks so cool. And wonderful contrast and sharpness.
have a great weekend, LG Thee
I greatly appreciate you looking and commenting and your very kind comments, thanks!
What a wild shot!
When I saw this egret approaching something did not look quite right. Glad I thought to take some pics because often I just look then think later…why didn’t I grab some shots?! 🙂