The day before the recent holiday, I was happy to take a close up photo of a foraging American Egret at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge from the road.
Foraging American Egret close up at Sequoyah NWR – Canon R7, handheld, f9, 1/2500, ISO 800, -1.0 EV, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light
I don’t get to take American Egret photos nearly as often as I’d like, especially compared to when I lived on the Gulf Coast of Florida. So when I get the chance, I’m going to jump on it!
There were two American Egrets foraging in this small body of water. Neither one was having much luck catching prey, but they were cooperative and the light was nice.
Most of the time, these egrets fly off before I can get close to them at the refuge.
Thankfully, these two American Egrets weren’t skittish at all. I guess they were pretty hungry.
I’ve only been able to take close up American Egret photos twice at the refuge, but that’s still better luck than I had with these egrets the whole time I lived in Utah.
Maybe I’ll get another chance with them again soon. I sure hope so. I enjoy having these big white wading birds in my viewfinder.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view 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.
Wow! What a simply terrific shot! I love the eye contact. What a beautiful, stately, bird! Thanks Mia.