American Egret with an eye on me – Nikon D200, handheld, f6.3, 1/1600, ISO 200, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 340mm, natural light
Just a simple American Egret image that always seems to tickle my funny bone when I view it because of the pose. I was wandering through a Florida Spartina marsh when I came across this egret preening and watched as it seemed to turn itself into a pretzel!
Getting this image was no easy feat. I had to sit down on the ground with young spartina plants that were poking through my pants to get the photo. Those things hurt!
It was worth it though because every time I look at this photo I laugh. Then laugh some more. And I love to laugh, it is part of my nature.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my American Egret photos plus facts and information about this species.
Update: Great Egrets were renamed American Egrets in October 2026, the scientific name was changed to Ardea egretta. This post has been updated to reflect those changes.
Those long, elegant necks can twist and turn so! Glorious plumage! Fantastic photograph!
Thanks for your wonderful comment on this image Julie!
Absolutely beautiful!
Thank you Susan.
I really like this image. He looks like a contortionist. Carol
Carol, I think of the as the Great Egret Pretzel bird! Thanks for your comment.
Ah…if only we all could scratch our own backs so easily.
Yeah, I wish I could scratch my back so easy Laurence!