King Egret

Ever since my trip to Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge a few days ago the shadows of tropical birds have been etched into my mind. Every time I close my eyes I see the outlines of egrets, ibis, spoonbills, coots, wood storks, vultures, and herons. Yes, all of these and more roost in the marshy wetlands on the famed Black Point Road.

This shot was taken a couple hours before sunset the first day of my visit, well before a wide bank of clouds completely obscured the sun and put my autofocus (and my brain) through a rigorous field test.

Aside from the wood storks, the egrets are among the taller birds in the region. Their white plumage drew my eye toward them, making me wonder whether they are easier prey than their colorful and darker cousins.

I hope to return before the end of my vacation later this week with the hope that neither fog nor clouds will steal away the dream of being here during the golden hours.