An Egret’s Amazing Grace ~ Wings of an Angel
The word that comes to mind most often when Great White Egrets are seen in flight or even when they preen is graceful. When strong sunlight hits their large wings the feathers light up like wings of an angel, flying effortlessly across the heavenly sky. Whether flying, standing, or preening the Great Egret appears to be the most graceful of birds.
I love this one particular image that I took recently of a Great Egret preening. The bird lifted its wing to preen, and the light showcased its delicate, translucent feathers. A strong reflection in the water made the image even more powerful, and it felt like an almost spiritual moment. It isn’t often that all the elements come together like it did at that moment.
Egrets are hard to photograph in flight because the lighting has to be just right. Too much sunlight will overexpose the bird and washes out the fine details of the feathers. Too little light will make the image blurry. The challenge is to have all of your camera settings ready at the right time.
Here are some in-flight pics that are examples of just how graceful egrets really are.
Not that they don’t have their awkward moments. I’ve seen them have awfully rough landings into trees and bushes.
Sometimes they stick their necks way out in flight if they are on a mission to catch up with another egret. Not so graceful! :)
When they stretch their neck up to the sky and stick their pointy tongue out, also not so graceful. :)
But, most of the time with any given movement graceful comes to mind.
Fortunately, Great Egrets have become a common sight again here in the Lowcountry after nearly becoming extinct in the early 1900’s. Their elegant feathers were in high demand in the fashion industry. I am blessed to see them almost every day. Lately, they have been out in larger numbers and very active.
I really enjoy the challenge of photographing these all-white birds. I also enjoy painting Great White Egrets, along with Great Blue Herons and other wading and shorebirds.
Thank you for reading my blog and for your interest in my artwork! It is appreciated very much.
“One of the joys of being an artist is having the freedom to follow my passion….”
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Drawing by William R. Beebe