Having Fun?
Last week I noticed this great egret rapidly diving down toward the water in the marsh pond. Egrets are wading birds, they don’t normally hunt by flying, swooping, or diving into the water to catch fish. But this bird did not seem to be fishing. In fact it didn’t even stop… the egret splashed around while still running and skipping at the water’s surface until finally lifting off again and flying away. It looked to me like it was simply having a good time and enjoying life! Of course having the ability to fly makes it all the more fun I’m sure. 🙂
Phil Lanoue Photography 
Nice image, Phil.
Thanks Mike.
lovely sequence as always but I especially like image 2 as it captures the point of impact perfectly
Thanks Scott I appreciate you looking and commenting.
Great shots Phil, it’s such a pleasure to watch your photos. 🙂
I greatly appreciate your kind words Jan, thanks.
That does look like fun! Lovely images, too. The bird’s feathers remind me of a ballerina’s costume in the first and last shots.
It does look like fun doesn’t it?! 🙂 Thanks Deb!
Such a neat set! Great job getting this all in focus.
I appreciate that very much Rick, thanks!
Beautiful photo’s, Phil ! He’s like a child looking at a puddle, a muddy one, and jumping in feet first. The look on his face in that last photo ! He’s simply chuckling.
I sometimes hesitate to assign human emotions and characteristics to animals but the egret did appear to be enjoying itself quite a bit. 🙂 Glad you liked these pics!
Such a beautiful white! It’s like Lady Gaga finally let her dress out of the closet to air properly. 😉 (Let’s be honest, with a woman who can wear a meat dress we’re never quite sure what’s actually real and what’s not)
Sometimes there is a lot to be said for simple basic white. Especially for those such as this egret that wear it so well, 🙂
What grace, what fun and sheer joy. Perfect capture, Phil.
She said it right again.
Thanks a million!
Thanks so much Gunta, I appreciate your very kind comments!
Gorgeous grace.
I sometimes tend to overlook the egrets but yes they are quite graceful.
Running and skipping at the water’s surface… — Stunning captures! Thank you so much for the beautiful post, Phil!
I’m really very happy you enjoyed this Amy, thanks!
Great splashdown sequence Phil. These are truly impressive.
Hey thanks Emily, great to hear you liked these photos!
Interesting behaviour. I’ve never noticed egrets playing. Worth doing some research.
I of course can not state 100% for a fact that the bird was playing but I do often see birds doing things apparently simply because they can. So why not play? 🙂
I wished to have wings like her and to touch the water… it should be amazing as your photographs. Thank you, love, nia
This egret is perfectly happy being exactly what it is and enjoying it’s life. Thank you Nia!
As long as we can’t fly we are condemned for diving and catching fish. 😛
I would think it might get you tired having to always fly to catch fish. This birds walks more often to eat. 🙂
What a great series, Phil. I am sure you are right about him just enjoying life. All that splashing does look like a lot of fun. All nice, but I especially like number two…it really does seem like a playful moment.
I’m betting that being able to fly helps almost any playtime be even more fun and exciting! Imagine going to your next backyard cook out and all the guests are able to fly around the yard! Humm…well wait, maybe after a few beers that’s not such a great idea. 😉 Thanks Steve!
Gorgeous bird, fantastic shots, Phil! Such beautiful contrasts!
Thank you very much Maggie!
His sumptuous wings remind me of a bride’s wedding dress.
Hey that’s a good description Paula, I like it, thanks!
Beautiful!
Thanks a million Lucy!
I can’t believe how many of your posts I missed whilst I was travelling. It’s great catching up though, and this one is especially beautiful. 🙂