Herons and members of their extended family are some of my favourite subjects to photograph. I’ve made this point many a time before, for various reasons. Typically found in open areas, there is never any issue with the bird hiding behind a branch (well, for most species at least) – nor are there (generally) any issues with lack of available light. There are, of course, some notoriously skittish species that will prove me wrong, though. But for now, I’m sticking with the more common, reliable and cooperative species.
Large and lumbering, Great Egrets are sometimes called Great White Herons, which is a name actually reserved for an entirely different species. Either way, these cousins of the heron family are easy pickings in open areas. Standing approximately three feet tall, tracking these large white birds is rather straightforward even with gentle early morning light.
Substantially larger than the aforementioned bird, the Cocoi Heron doesn’t usually make itself known – this one stayed far off with its attendant Tricoloured Herons. I just love how the rising sun just gilds the tops of the mangrove.
Little Blue Herons are common residents of both coastal and inland waterways – and do make very willing subjects.
Cryptic as most night-herons are, the Yellow-crowned Night Heron’s bulging red eyes and flying plumes make it one of the more interesting looking members of the family. True to their name, they are indeed more active at night.
Delightful and graceful…..
They sure are
what do you mean by “with its attendant Tricoloured Herons?” Noun or adjective? I’m always interested to find out how species interact with each other.
Oh, maybe my imagination ran away a little. I didn’t observe any direct interaction between the herons.
I saw the cocoi on the Essequibo!!!!!! The leader asked if I go birding in Trinidad often. I said ‘no, I read a lot.’ 😀 Thanks.
One of the most beautiful herons!