When I take pics of flying creatures, I do usually focus on raptors. However, every now and then I will train my lens on less aggressive birds. From ducks to pelicans and meadowlarks to egrets, small and large have all been captured by my camera. Here are some of my favorites from the past year.
Snowy egret flyby
Mother Nature didn’t play nice today with chilly temperatures and overcast skies. That limited the photo opportunities today and getting a good bird in flight shot in the low light is hard. Somehow I managed to get a couple of good ones though.
There were about two dozen of these cool white birds hanging out at a pond in Adams County, Colorado. They didn’t mind the 38 degree temperatures although I would have preferred something a bit milder.
Snowy egret hanging out on the shoreline
On this day, a dozen of them were hanging out on a pond in Adams County, Colorado and decided to be kind to me and let their picture be taken. I was able to lay down and get some nice, eye-level captures.
During the summer these birds are pretty common in Colorado but during the winter they prefer the warmer environs of Mexico. I don’t blame them. 😉
“Go ahead. Hop in. It is safe.”
“Go ahead. Hop in. It is safe.” 😉 An American White Pelican seems to be trying to convince a Snowy Egret that it would be okay to check out its mouth. Of course in fact Pelicans don’t eat Egrets but it did make for a pretty darned funny image. A good one for a ‘caption this’ contest. What do you got?
Snowy Egret in flight
I made a quick stop on my way home yesterday at the Adams County, Colorado Fairgrounds. The mid-afternoon light was harsh so I wasn’t expecting much out of my pictures but there was a lot of bird activity so I really wanted to check it out.
I’ve been using my Canon 6D Mark II more and more and continue to be impressed with its capability. It handled the bright light exceedingly well, just as I have been seeing it do in low light. This beautiful bird flew nearby and I managed a very nice sequence of images and was able to retain all the detail within the white despite that harsh light.
Snowy Egret fluffs up, shows off
This guy (or gal) kind of looks like it was having a bad hair day! I was scrolling through some old pics and came across these images from last May that I never shared.
This Snowy Egret was hanging out along a creek, keeping watch on the waters and hoping for a fish to come by. At one point, it gave itself a big shake and shiver.
We see these pretty birds here in Colorado during the summer. You will typically find them in areas just like this, along water’s edge as they try to catch a meal.
Snowy Egrets size up an interloper
It never fails. You stake out a nice, quiet spot of beach to enjoy some fishing and time with the family. Along comes someone you have never seen before and despite having plenty of beach they could have to themselves, they insist on staking out a spot right among your gathering. So frustrating! 😉
There were about a dozen Snowy Egrets at this suburban pond, enjoying a nice evening. Along game this massive Great Blue Heron that decided to crash their party. The much smaller egrets weren’t quite sure how to handle the squatter and in the end, let the big guy keep the spot while they moved elsewhere.
A two-fer of Snowy Egrets
Flipping through some old pics and I came across this series from back in May that I never shared any images from. I was actually at this spot to take pictures of my ballet princess but admit I was a bit distracted by these white ones. Thankfully my daughter granted me a few minutes leave to grab my big lens and snap off a few of them.
During the summer these birds are pretty common in Colorado but they also are skittish so I don’t normally get captures of them. On this day, a half dozen of them were hanging out on a pond in Adams County, Colorado. They will spend their winters in Mexico.
Snowy Egret fluffs up, takes flight
A fun little sequence of images I captured of this beautiful bird as it hung out along the South Platte River. During the summer these guys are pretty common in Colorado but they also are skittish so I don’t normally get captures of them.
I spotted this one from a good ways away and tried a stealthy approach through some tall grass, staying hunched down to get a closer vantage point. It didn’t work as well as planned because it definitely knew I was there and took off almost immediately.
Snowy Egret takes to the air
I find these birds to be one of the truly beautiful ones in Mother Nature. Their white plumage, bright yellow feet, bills and eyes really make them unique in appearance and they are very graceful in action.
Here we see one that was in Denver City Park at a rookery on an island there. It pushes off of its perch and takes to the air with little effort.
Scroll down to view the entire gallery of images from the day including the full launch sequence.
A Cattle Egret Tends to its young.
Snowy Egret in flight
Snowy Egret lands near a Canada Goose
Adult Snowy Egrets feed their young
Black-crowned Night Heron juveniles go fishing
Juvenile Snowy Egret goes fishing
Snowy Egret in flight
Snowy Egret in flight
Snowy Egret in flight
Snowy Egret in flight
Snowy Egret launch sequence - 5 of 5
Snowy Egret launch sequence - 4 of 5
Snowy Egret launch sequence - 3 of 5
Snowy Egret launch sequence - 2 of 5
Snowy Egret launch sequence - 1 of 5
Young Snow Egrets wait for mama to return with a meal
An adult Snowy Egret comes in for a landing at the rookery
Juvenile Black-crown Night Heron and juvenile Snowy Egret
Adult Snowy Egret keeps her eye on the young ones
Juvenile Heron bullies juvenile Egret
Juvenile Heron bullies juvenile Egret
Juvenile Heron bullies juvenile Egret
Juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron spreads its wings
Juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron spreads its wings
An adult Snowy Egret comes in for a landing at the rookery
Juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron spreads its wings
Snowy Egret in flight
