Great Weather, Great Egret...

William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, landscape, birding and nature photography blog documenting the beauty, design and wonder of God’s creation. "Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them. Full of splendor and majesty is His work." Psalms 111:2

Great Egret in Flight. Support my work by downloading this photo at www.dreamstime.com. 100% of funds go back into shelter adoption photography and education programs.

Friday, 8:49 AM - I love this weather! Hurricane Hermine has brought us some strong breezes and a thick, unbroken blanket of quickly moving gray and white cloud cover… perfect photography conditions! There is no harsh glare from the sun, and no discomfort from heat and humidity. Since I am mostly caught up on the animal photos, I treated myself to a quick walk up to the far pond behind the shelter after my initial shelter walk-through. That pond is smaller, but is rimmed by trees and brush and thus more secluded. The more wary birds and wildlife visit that pond more often than the larger, more open pond in view of all the county buildings.

As I approached, I could see a Great Egret (Ardea alba​) on the far end of the pond. I backed away and took to the far edge along the woods in order to obtain a more stealthy approach. As I got closer to where I assumed I was parallel to the bird, I edged up to the pond and took a few shots through the foliage. I watched her fish, and she was having a successful morning. About eight to ten times she thrust her spear-like bill into the water then jerked her head back and swallowed her quarry.

After a few minutes of observation, I got up and walked along with her… she on one side of the pond, and I on the other. She had a fairly high degree of tolerance for my presence. As we neared the narrow end of the pond, I circled around in her direction. Perhaps not wanting to end her easy breakfast, she allowed me to approach fairly close before taking flight.
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Walton County, Georgia

Great Egret on dark pond

Solitary Great Egret in black and white fishing on a pond in rural Georgia. Support my work by downloading this photo at www.dreamstime.com. 100% of funds go back into shelter adoption photography and education programs.

Great Egret fishing on pond in Walton County Georgia

Black and White Great Egret fishing on pond in Walton county Georgia