Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor)

This tri-colored heron flew to the handrail of the boardwalk at Wakodahatchee Wetlands only four feet away from me. It was a very exciting moment, even though the light wasn’t the greatest.

I mustered a snap before another park visitor started walking towards the bird from the opposing side of the boardwalk.  The vibrating wood announced the person’s arrival. The bird sensed it and flew away.

When seeing these large water birds up close, it can be surprising how well they actually blend into their surroundings.  Their green feet, for example, are the same color as the aquatic plants they toe through to hunt for frogs, fish and other small edibles.