Tricolored Heron
The most beautiful plumage I have seen on a breeding Tricolored Heron was this one that flew in for a brief visit while I was at the Bailey Tract location of J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). I had been photographing a pair of Common Gallinules when this Heron flew in and landed right in front of them. The Gallinules stepped aside and then the Heron fluffed its feathers. Shortly afterwards it flew off. The beautiful light of the morning really accented that bright, red eye. I have always thought that non-breeding Tricolors are stunning and the blue and red breeding colors are almost too rich. But it sure works on this one. May 17, 2017
