This pond is shallow, coming and going with the rain.
Wading birds are quick to explore any pool of water that is at their preferred depth.
A few Glossy Ibis were weaving around the mangrove roots probing for lunch.
Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, FL
April 11, 2022
A lone Willet was patrolling a small sandbar
Gentle waves were churning up possible snacks.
Success!
Let’s wade in a little deeper.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
April 11, 2022
Watching Reddish Egrets showing off their fishing moves never gets old for me. These images were taken a different day than my similar May 5th post, but the action was pretty much the same.
This last image isn’t that clear but what I took to be a jumping fish startling the Reddish Egret was interesting.
Black Point Wildlife Drive
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, FL
April 11, 2022
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Florida
April 11, 2022
Snowy Egret show off.
You’ve heard “no one likes a show-off” … I’m not sure that’s true when it comes to nature.
St. Augustine Alligator Farm, FL
April 13, 2022
Now what turned into some beak clacking.
Size isn’t everything, but sometimes it helps.
Finally the Tricolored Heron made a full body move…
…pushing the Snowy Egret off his perch.
The Tricolored Heron got tangled up in the palm fronds for a few seconds, but not apparent damage.
Territorial Dispute: Snowy Egret vs Tricolored Heron, Part 1
St. Augustine Alligator Farm, FL
April 13, 2022
Get back!
No, you get back!
We’re both back, now what?
St. Augustine Alligator Farm, FL
April 13, 2022
A number of Cattle Egrets were nesting around the rookery, including this one that was working on some finishing touches.
Another seemed all settled in on the next palm tree.
Last, one that was taking a break from his hard work, giving me a nice view of his breeding colors.
St. Augustine Alligator Farm, FL
April 13, 2022
This Snowy Egret was showing off his breeding plumage and his flexible feet.
Snowy Egret, Breeding PlumageSt. Augustine Alligator Farm, FL
April 13, 2022
These Roseate Spoonbill chicks were about to get fed, and they were ready!
There were at least three chicks, the two in the middle and check out the lower left corner:
The way the adult facing away from us kept poking down below her mate I wondered if there was a fourth chick out of my view.
A little wider view showing more of the palm tree.
St. Augustine Alligator Farm, FL
April 13, 2022
