Tricolored Heron at University of South Florida Bridge by the Lake

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Story

This is a tricolored heron (Egretta tricolor) also known as the Louisiana Heron in the USA. As this bird was stalking its pray I was stalking it with my camera. Obviously I am not as good of a stalker as this bird, since it noticed me and elongated its neck and moved its head from side to side as if it was giving each of its eyes a chance to look at me. The fact that this is one of most colorful of the large birds here in Florida might actually help it hide from its predators; as you can see in the picture, its color lets it blend very well with the swampy/water background. The colors that make this bird unique are blue, yellow, brown, black, and white; more than three if you ask this obviously non photonics / optics / lights expert.

Date of sighting

13 Oct 2006

Location

University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620
Egretta tricolor (Tricolored Heron) at USF Lake

Species

Egretta tricolor (Tricolored Heron)