Great Egrets

Until fairly recently Great Egrets were only occassionally seen in Ottawa. Last fall 25-30 birds were seen here for some time before they migrated south for the winter.

This spring up to 5 birds have been seen at one time in several locations including along the Ottawa River adjacent to Andrew Hayden Park in the city's west end. I photographed 4 birds over several hours on June 17 and a single bird on evening June 23 at that location. Most of the birds are in full breeding plumage although these feathers are not usually evident until the preen after feeding. It's believed that these birds are now breeding and nesting here now.

1. Intent on finding a fish snack. You can see some of the breeding plumage blowing in the breeze.

Beautiful shots Stephen

Great shots! And number 6 reminds me of 'kevin' from pixar's up.

You did good on this series. The hairball is funny. I really like the 2 for 1. It just pops.
Rex

love this set, really like 2,5 and 6

Lovely images and great exposure on the whites. We have a few of these here, but they always sit way out of reach except, I notice, for when the sun starts sinking, then they appear closer, always ensuring they are horribly backlit. It's almost as if they are toying with me, but that's by the by...

Beautiful set Stephen, you are lucky you are getting a good number of them in your area, and you are clever in making the most from it.

great shots Stephen

Beautiful bird and a fine set of images, Stephen.

nice series, Stephen

It is so good that you had the opportunity to make the photos. As always, you made the best of it. I love the fourth shot.

All beautiful shots, Stephen, love the hair ball . Don't think these are seen anywhere around here, so I'll either have to visit Ottawa or wait till winter in Fla.

Beautiful birds & skillful hunters, all very well captured Stephen.

Shar824 wrote in post #14636520
Beautiful shots Stephen

Thanks Sharon.

dscri001 wrote in post #14636551
Great shots! And number 6 reminds me of 'kevin' from pixar's up.

Kevin thank you.

surgemaster wrote in post #14637310
You did good on this series. The hairball is funny. I really like the 2 for 1. It just pops.
Rex

Thanks for taking the time to comment.

rick_reno wrote in post #14637771
love this set, really like 2,5 and 6

Thank you Rick

Andrew Tingle wrote in post #14637789
Lovely images and great exposure on the whites. We have a few of these here, but they always sit way out of reach except, I notice, for when the sun starts sinking, then they appear closer, always ensuring they are horribly backlit. It's almost as if they are toying with me, but that's by the by...

Thank you Andrew. Keep trying. I had the same problem the other evening. Try using some fill flash.

jodelak wrote in post #14637918
Beautiful set Stephen, you are lucky you are getting a good number of them in your area, and you are clever in making the most from it.

Thank you Jo.

kmunroe wrote in post #14638341
great shots Stephen

Thank you Kenny.

Levina de Ruijter wrote in post #14638392
Beautiful bird and a fine set of images, Stephen.

Levina thank you.

dgraham329 wrote in post #14638942
nice series, Stephen

Thanks Dean.

Diamond Lil wrote in post #14639115
It is so good that you had the opportunity to make the photos. As always, you made the best of it. I love the fourth shot.

Lil thank you.

Wallace River wrote in post #14639356
All beautiful shots, Stephen, love the hair ball . Don't think these are seen anywhere around here, so I'll either have to visit Ottawa or wait till winter in Fla.

Thanks Ian.

Joe52 wrote in post #14639380
Beautiful birds & skillful hunters, all very well captured Stephen.

Thanks Joe.

A beautiful set here Stephen...loving the Karate pose