February 2025 - Reddish Egret Dancing on Water, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, FL.
About the Image(s)
Reddish Egrets are one of the rarest egrets in North America and my personal favorite. They're fun to watch as they hunt in shallow water for small fish, frogs and a variety of crustaceans. Their jerky movements look like a dance and their head feathers often fluff in and out making them look comical. I spent a good hour capturing a series of fun photos of his antics. The blues of the sky and water melted together that day and the blue tones of the egret made it feel like a study in blue to me.
I normally ensure any bird photo has the eye in focus and though that is not the case in this particular shot, I loved the feeling of movement. So I'm interested in any and all feedback but specifically your reaction to the blue on blue and the fact that the eye is not in focus.
Settings: 266mm, 1/1000, f7.1, ISO 200
Post Processing: Photo AI to denoise and sharpen a bit, lowered the shadows in LrC
7 comments posted
Leslie Larson
The colors and motion make this photo terrific. I've seen them dancing around stirring up edibles. Captivating for sure. I agree, the visible eyes aren't necessary for this gorgeous shot,and I like the endless blues with the reflection added. Very nice. Posted: 02/08/2025 23:28:16
Gwen Callas-Miller
Thank you Leslie! Posted: 02/09/2025 02:06:50
John Stumbos
I love this photo, Gwen. I think you captured this egret's antics delightfully. The first thing that struck me was just how well all the blue tones work together. Almost a pastel feel. I didn't even notice the eye not being visible. Since the bird has its head slightly cocked to one side, it isn't detracting at all. In fact, because the feathers on the neck are in sharp focus, it seems like you had the overall DOF just right. The composition is clean and uncluttered. Very nice, indeed. Posted: 02/11/2025 20:12:51
Gwen Callas-Miller
Thanks so much, John! Very helpful feedback. Posted: 02/11/2025 21:49:08
Sherry Icardi
Reddish egrets are my absolute favorite egret , you have captured their personality and despite their antics managed a nicely focused page. I care not about the eye! This is about the personality of this particular bird. If anyone of us has not photographed them, they would not know how erratic and almost maniacal these egrets are ALL the time. I suspect they have ADD ;-)
Wonderful shot! I don't get to see them on the Southeast Coast, I have to go West or North to photograph them. They have them listed as possible birds, but I've only gotten them in Captiva/Sanibel or Vero Beach area. Posted: 02/13/2025 17:35:53
Gwen Callas-Miller
Thank you, Sherry! Very much appreciate your comments. I think I will feel more confident entering this in a local photography club competition. Posted: 02/13/2025 19:43:06
Sarita Yeola
Lovely shot! I have nothing to add. Posted: 02/21/2025 16:59:17
