Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Great egret on a dreary day, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Photograph of a great egret in a salt marsh on a dreary day

I chose the day for my first trip to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge last month based on the forecast of a cloudy day. I really enjoy shooting under cloudy skies since it means nice even lighting during the day, and that I can shoot in reasonable light for more than just sunrise and sunset. However, my trip on this day was not the nice high clouds I was hoping for, but instead ground level fog and light rain all day. The birds didn't seem to mind though, and I was able to watch all kinds of waterbirds enjoying the weather. There was a large number of great egrets and snowy egrets in the marsh along the main road -- far more than I've seen on any of my return trips so far.

Photograph of a great egret preening in a salt marsh at Parker River NWR

I enjoyed watching this great egret preen along the edge of a salt pond, and the feeling of the dreary day added a bit to the image I think. It wouldn't have quite the same mood if was under blue skies and direct sunlight, and I might not have been able to capture the same kind of reflection either.

Photograph of a preening great egret with a reflection

View more photos of great egrets in my Egrets and Herons Gallery.

Submitted to World Bird Wednesday -- Follow the link to check out this week's posts.


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17 comments:

  1. Kerri FarleyNovember 1, 2011 at 9:41 PM

    Beauty!

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  2. TexWisGirlNovember 1, 2011 at 9:53 PM

    gorgeous feather detail! wonderful light and shadow play!

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  3. Dominic GendronNovember 1, 2011 at 10:00 PM

    Great serie. I love hoe "fluffy" the egret looks on the 1st one :)

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  4. Carole M.November 1, 2011 at 11:12 PM

    simply delightful photographs of the egret; such a special day out

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  5. mickNovember 2, 2011 at 3:26 AM

    Beautiful photos. I really need to learn how to manage those overcast days. Yours look delightful.

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  6. ArijaNovember 2, 2011 at 5:11 AM

    Great shots and the dreary day certainly helped get those lovely reflections and gentle lighting.

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  7. eileeninmdNovember 2, 2011 at 5:30 AM

    The egrets are beautiful birds, lovely photos.

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  8. UnknownNovember 2, 2011 at 8:29 AM

    Great close ups Pat. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  9. SpringmanNovember 2, 2011 at 9:57 AM

    I have never seen a Great egrets feathers so perfectly exposed. It is so easy to lose detail in a white out. These shots really show your talent and commitment to great nature photography. Mood,composition,light. I am knocked out Pat.
    Bravo!

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  10. LizNovember 2, 2011 at 12:25 PM

    Brilliant shots Pat!! You truly are a great photographer! Such beautiful birds captured so well - I am in awe.

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  11. Jim CodaNovember 2, 2011 at 2:37 PM

    I think you've found a great location Pat.

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  12. jooNovember 2, 2011 at 2:57 PM

    Gorgeous bird and awesome photos!

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  13. Chronicles of IllusionsNovember 2, 2011 at 5:47 PM

    he is beautiful. :)

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  14. PatNovember 2, 2011 at 7:01 PM

    Fantastic shots!

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  15. Brian KingNovember 3, 2011 at 9:15 PM

    Stunning photos, Pat! Gorgeous!

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  16. NatureFootstepNovember 4, 2011 at 8:32 AM

    great shots of the great egret. :)

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  17. Kathie BrownNovember 9, 2011 at 4:18 AM

    Well done! Well worth the trip I would say!

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