I

 t's spring and the Snowy Egrets are brilliant. Courtship and securing a good nest site is on their mind. They're very vocal, aggressive towards other waders that approach too close, and they are showing off their brilliant plumes.

I had the good fortune to spend time with showy Snowy Egrets at the peak of courtship last week. Courtship was at its peak for most. Nest building was underway for a few.

The trick to photographing them was the light that filtered trough the trees. One minute they were shadowed; the next they were in the sun. It all comes together when the bird is in the sun and the background is in the shadows. I liked this image in color, b ut I think I like it more in black and white.