Cattle Egret in Breeding Colors

Image # 1D2_07053

Wakodahatchee Wetlands

Canon 600L/f4 IS with 2x II  Teleconverter

ISO 400, f/8, 1/640 second

Manual Exposure

Gitzo 1329/Arca Swiss B1/Wimberley Sidekick

Wakodahatchee Wetlands is a unique place for bird photography, unexpectedly situated within a fairly developed area west of Delray Beach, Florida.  There was quite a bit of activity there in terms of courtship behavior, nest-building, feeding young, etc.  My attention was drawn to the Cattle Egret, many of which were showing very nice breeding coloration, as demonstrated by this individual.  Because of all the birds, nests, vegetation, people, etc., it can be difficult to isolate your subject, but if you take a little time to look around, and position yourself appropriately, it is still possible to get a clean background.