Snowy Egret shaking its feathers in a marsh, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahSnowy Egret shaking its feathers in a marsh – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Three days ago I spotted my first of the year Snowy Egret at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge when two egrets flew out of a ditch on the way to the auto tour loop. In Florida I saw Snowy Egrets year round but here in Utah they leave in the fall to spend their winters where it is warmer and return in the spring for nesting season.

I didn’t have a chance to raise my lens at the first two Snowy Egrets as they flew away.

As I went around the auto tour loop I saw a few more Snowy Egrets off in the distance. I didn’t photograph any of them because they were so far away. It is still early in their nesting season here on the marshes surrounding the Great Salt Lake and before too long I should have plenty of opportunities to photograph them.

I photographed this Snowy Egret last June in the marshes of Bear River MBR as it hunted, preened and shook its feathers in front of a lush and healthy stand of cattails. Not long after this image was taken the egret flew off and joined some other egrets further out in the marsh.

I am hoping that by June life will be a little more “normal” than it is right now.

Life is good. Stay safe.

Mia

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