Tom Buckard
February 2025 - Tricolored Heron
About the Image(s)
This image of a Tricolored Heron was taken at the Saint Augustine Alligator Farm. As many of the Floridian bird photographers know it is and amazing place during breeding season in March, April and May. There is a boardwalk that goes through the Rookery with a huge variety of large birds an arm’s length away from you. Below them are hundreds of alligators in the water that keep the birds and their young safe from predators.
Shot with a Nikon D850, Speed 1/1250th of a sec, Focal Length 500mm, ISO-64, F5.6, Lens was an Nikkor 200-500.
8 comments posted
I've seen these beauties on a few occasions, but never realized what colorful faces they can have at breeding time. Thanks for the nicely done close-up.
Assume the alligators aren't so helpful with the ones that fall out of the nests? Posted: 02/07/2025 23:58:16
Assume the alligators aren't so helpful with the ones that fall out of the nests? Posted: 02/07/2025 23:58:16
Leslie, it is very sad, but we have seen it many times. The gators lay in wait at the bottom of the mangroves and trees for anything that falls out of the nests or gets to close. They go after eggs, chicks and full size big birds. Gators are lightning fast! Image was a full grown egret. Thank you for your comments. Posted: 02/08/2025 00:28:33
Had no idea a tricolor was so colorful! Perfect focus, got the catchlight. Posted: 02/18/2025 02:11:12
This tricolored heron is in mating plumage. The rest of the year they are no where near as colorful. Thank you for your comment Ron. Posted: 02/22/2025 00:59:42
Tom, great shot! What an interesting bird especially with the soft beige plumage under its chin. The detail and sharpness are very good and the colors are fantastic. The eye detail, color and catchlight are perfect. I thought the overall image was just a little too dark for my taste, so I increased exposure just a bit. What do you think? Posted: 02/18/2025 20:02:48
I am with you Jim. I also think slightly lighter brings out more detail. Thank you Jim. Posted: 02/22/2025 01:03:02
Spectacular shot capturing it's beauty. Posted: 02/22/2025 04:08:30
Thanks Michael, a couple months of the year (mating season) they are spectacular! Posted: 02/22/2025 13:16:32