Snowy Egret in low lightSnowy Egret in low light – Nikon D200, handheld, f6.3, 1/800, ISO 200, Nikkor 80-400mm at 400mm, natural light

This image of a solitary Snowy Egret in low light is simple but I find the simplicity of it appealing. I enjoy the nearly monochromatic tones brightened by the yellow of the lores and legs against the muted grays of the water and the whites of the egret’s plumage.

The egret had been actively foraging for prey in a tidal lagoon at Fort De Soto County Park in bright light but when a large, dark cloud passed briefly overhead the light dimmed, the water reflected the gray of the cloud and the egret stood still for a few moments resting as I photographed it from the shoreline. Not long after this image was taken the cloud moved on, the sun lit everything back up again, the egret moved on looking for prey and I wandered up the beach looking for more birds to photograph near the Gulf.

Life is good.

Mia

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

* Taken on a January morning in 2009