American Egret Portrait

American Egret portrait in dappled light – Nikon D200, handheld, f6.3, 1/800, ISO 160, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light

I have mentioned many times that when I have the opportunity to take portraits of birds I jump at the chance. In February of 2009 I had met some friends at Lake Seminole in Pinellas County, Florida.

When we were done photographing at the lake we all drove over to Indian Shores to see a small but accessible rookery where several species of wading birds congregated.

While walking the boardwalk at the small rookery I was able to get close to this American Egret that was resting under the canopy of a large tree and took this portrait of it. I only took a few images of the egret and moved on because I didn’t want to disturb it while it rested.

I loved the brilliant blue sky that showed through the dark canopy of the tree, the dappled light, the great view of the egret’s eye and the fluffy feathers on the tip of the egret’s bill that were probably there because the egret had been preening. I also like the S curve of the egret’s neck.

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.