Tricolored Heron

Today my friends and I went to Wall Springs Park in Palm Harbor, FL to check it out. We were a little disappointed because there wasn't much wildlife to shoot, and hardly and flowers. The park is more of a walking park. It's in a safe area and it has paved paths.

While walking around we spotted this Tricolored Heron. I like the was he was just standing at the bottom of the steps. I also like the way the colors on the old concrete compliment the bird's plumage.

Wall Springs Park got it's name from the natural spring that feeds it's lake. The water is a warm, 74 deg F year-round. There is no swimming in it and it's sparkling, crystal clear. I took this fish photo in the spring where it comes up from the aquifer. This shot was made with no polarizing lens to reduce the reflections on the water. I just had to keep moving around until the reflections were minimized.

If anyone knows what kind of fish this is, I'd really appreciate it if you'd let me know.

Tricolored Heron

This Tricolored Heron was created on my trip to Gatorland last Saturday. She was perched on her nest. I like the beautiful blue on her lores (the area from her eyes to her beak).

I also like the way her crest stands out and that alarmed look on her face. Her chicks were below screaming for her attention. If you've never watched chicks when they're hungry, you'd know how mean they are to their mothers. It's a wonder they stay and taken care of their young. All they do is peck at her (really hard) and pull at her for something to eat. The mother just sits patiently, ignoring them. A few minutes after this shot, she flew away to get them some food. It was amazing how fast they shut up as soon as she left. They're just like our babies who shut up the minute we pick them up.

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You are welcome to comment and/or critique my photo.

Loyce