The photograph for the month of July was actually taken in February. While I was down in NOLA I explored some of City Park. An electric bike with pedal assist was very helpful in navigating the very large urban park. There were points I’d reach 20 miles an hour! The park seemed to go on and on. As I raced closer to its centre and away from the crowds I got a good feeling I would see something of interest. I crossed under a highway overpass to find a small farm.
In the grass on the farm stood a Great Egret! I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I had never observed a wading bird hunt in tall grass far from water and yet there it was, a large white bird amidst lush greenery. I hopped off the bike and quickly got my camera out of my backpack. A handful of white flowers nicely mimicked the soft white of the bird’s plumage. I knelt down to composed the scene before me. The large egret’s signature crooked neck jutted out as it stalked through the grass looking for a meal. Less than a kilometre away I happened upon a Snowy Egret in City Park as well, a lifer moment for me.
Snowy Egrets have wonderful contrasting colour! Their black legs and bright yellow feet mimic their black beaks and yellow eyes. These birds are commonly seen in ditches around the city. However, I wanted to capture them in a quieter environment. I spotted this particular individual minding their business all alone on a limb. I took the opportunity of the still moment to capture the abstract reflection on the calm water.