White-morph Reddish Egret

[Mike Milicia]

EOS-1D Mk IV, 500mm f/4, 1/3200, f/5.6, ISO 400
About 80% of Full Frame

Photographed a couple of weeks ago on the Bay side of Mustang Island State Park, just south of Port Aransas, TX.

Looking forward to your comments and critiques!

[Tom Rambaut]

Like the low angle very much, the BG is killer - I love those layers of colour - and the whites look detailed.

Oh and I like those little bits of grass/reed just above the waterline.

[Jeff Dyck]

Great angle and composition Mike. I am not very familiar with the species - should the plummage be "brilliant" white or is the reddish cast I am seeing normal?

[Mike Milicia]

I am not very familiar with the species - should the plummage be "brilliant" white or is the reddish cast I am seeing normal?

I can't say that I have ever seen them side by side, but it seems to me that that the White-morph Reddish Egret is not quite as brilliant white as a Great Egret or a Snowy Egret, but it is still quite white. This was taken fairly early in the morning so the bird will have a warm cast but this "As Shot" AWB version may indeed be a bit too warm. I will play around with it when I get a chance.

[Tom Redd]

Mike, I love the layered background, good low angle. Very interesting bird. TFS

[Mike Milicia]

Thanks to all for taking the time to comment!

Jeff's comments spurred me to reexamine the color balance.
Here's a repost at a cooler color temp.

[Melissa Groo]

Beautiful shot Mike. I took a bunch of pics of this species in Florida a couple months ago and have been struggling with the shades of white. I think your repost looks great. Perfect comp.

[Arthur Morris]

Love the low angle and prefer the color of the original by a bit. Nice bird, soft light, and sharp.

Were you in TX to try for warblers???

[Mike Milicia]

Love the low angle and prefer the color of the original by a bit. Nice bird, soft light, and sharp.

Were you in TX to try for warblers???

Thanks, Artie!

Did not go specifically for warblers but did try for them to no avail at a couple of hot spots near where we were staying in Port Aransas (Paradise Pond, Packery Channel, and Blucher Park). Had strong south winds almost the entire week. Had one overnight cold front from the north but nothing came of it.

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks Mike. I have had little luck with warblers for about ten years so I have just given up :)