Watchful
by Kristin Elmquist
Title
Watchful
Artist
Kristin Elmquist
Medium
Photograph
Description
The tricolored heron (Egretta tricolor), formerly known in North America as the Louisiana heron, is a small heron. It is a resident breeder from the Gulf states of the USA and northern Mexico south through Central America and the Caribbean to central Brazil and Peru. There is some post-breeding dispersal to well north of the nesting range.
Tricolored heron's breeding habitat is sub-tropical swamps. It nests in colonies, often with other herons, usually on platforms of sticks in trees or shrubs. In each clutch, 3–7 eggs are typically laid.
This species measures from 22 to 30 inches long and has a wingspan of 38 in. The slightly larger male heron weighs 14.6 on average, while the female averages 11.8 oz. It is a medium-large, long-legged, long-necked heron with a long pointed yellowish or greyish bill with a black tip. The legs and feet are dark.
Adults have a blue-grey head, neck, back and upperwings, with a white line along the neck. The belly is white. In breeding plumage, they have long blue filamentous plumes on the head and neck, and buff ones on the back.
The tricolored heron stalks its prey in shallow or deeper water, often running as it does so. It eats fish, crustaceans, reptiles, and insects.
Uploaded
February 3rd, 2012
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Comments (19)
Gary F Richards
Spectacular composition, lighting, shading, colors and artwork! F/L …voted for this piece in the contest BIRDS THAT LOVE WATER
Kristin Elmquist
Thank you, Xueling. He certainly was standing still. I have another photograph of him looking at me, but the focus wasn't as good as this one. :)
Xueling Zou
What a beautiful capture, Kristin! I just love your perspective. It seems the bird posing for you:-)! Thank you:-)!
Kristin Elmquist
Thanks, Frank, for featuring this heron in The Real Florida Group. I appreciate it. :)
Kristin Elmquist
Thanks again, Al. And thank you, Oiyee. You should see the one where he was looking at me. It's not quite as good as this photo, but it was funny. Too much purple fringe around the heron to post that one. As Al said, it's hard to get these fellas in the right light. :)
Al Powell
You're welcome, Kristin. The Tricolored Heron is one of my favorite wading birds but they seem to be a bit hard to find...and even harder to get a good shot of. Their gorgeous colors tend to get washed out when photographed in harsh sunlight. Good job on this one, though.
Kristin Elmquist
Thanks, Daniel, Maciej, Odd and Bob. Glad you like this one so much. The background kind of took care of itself - there were long reflections from the live oaks on the water of the Springs due to the time of day.
Bob Orsillo
Fantastic photography Kristin! Outstanding use of dof - Love the detail in your Heron. .. v/f
Kristin Elmquist
Thanks, Gary, I always appreciate the time you spend to comment on one of my images. :) And thank you, Al, for identifying this guy. I tried the usual bird ID site that I use, but they didn't have any pics that looked like him. I'll update my key words. :)
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