Great Egret In Front Of Stormy Skies

Great Egret preening in front of stormy skies – Nikon D200, handheld, f7.1, 1/640, ISO 200, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light

Yesterday while looking through images that I have taken in previous years during the month of July these Great Egret photos stood out to me. The photos were taken on July 6, 2008 at the north beach of Fort De Soto County Park in Pinellas County, Florida on a morning where I had thought about turning around and going back home because from a distance I could see storm clouds forming over the Gulf of Mexico as I drove towards the park. It was fairly clear to the east though so I decided to head to the beach despite the stormy sky because I thought the light might still be beautiful if I could find some birds.

One of the birds I found that summer morning was a Great Egret perched on a stump that the waves of the Gulf had deposited on the shore of the beach.

Resting Great Egret in front of storm clouds – Nikon D200, handheld, f7.1, 1/640, ISO 160, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 300mm, natural light

I was right about the light that morning, it was beautiful and the stormy clouds in the distance added drama to every frame of the Great Egret that I took.

I remember feeling peaceful and relaxed as I photographed the egret with warm sugar sand beneath my feet. The tang of salt in the sea breeze combined with the sound of the waves lapping the shoreline and the calls of other nearby birds was calming.

Great Egret about to take flight – Nikon D200, handheld, f7.1, 1/640, ISO 160, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 150mm, natural light

Life was good. The birds I photographed that morning were wonderful, the light was terrific, and the storm clouds stayed offshore the entire time that I was at the beach.

I wish life was that simple today.

Despite all the turmoil and uncertainty we are facing right now life is good. Stay safe.

Mia

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