I’ve always liked this image of a Tricolored Heron in breeding plumage that flew past me while I sat in the water of a tidal lagoon near a Spartina marsh in Florida.

Breeding plumage Tricolored Heron in flight, Fort De Soto County Park, Pinellas County, FloridaBreeding plumage Tricolored Heron in flight – Nikon D200, handheld, f6.3, 1/1000, ISO 200, Nikkor 70-300mm VR at 185mm, natural light

Warm water, a sea breeze, birds, nature, and photography.

I was in my element. Or is that elements?

Tricolored Herons used to be known by the name Louisiana Herons, I think Tricolored Heron suits them better.

This heron was in its breeding plumage as indicated by the blue and black bill and reddish legs.

I had a marvelous time photographing this bird as it flew by.

Tricolored Herons can be found in swamps, estuaries, bayous, tidal lagoons, salt marshes, mangrove islands, and the shorelines of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, the Gulf of Mexico, the Baja Peninsula, the Caribbean, and south to South America.

Tricolored Herons eat small fish, crustaceans, reptiles, amphibians, snails, insects and other invertebrates.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Tricolored Heron photos plus facts and information about this species.