Tricolored Heron

Paul Demkovich

During the heat of a Florida summer day, there were not a lot of birds out at the Orlando Wetlands. We counted more than 100 Common Gallinules, and saw only one or two Green Herons, Great Blue Herons and Tricolored Herons. But this Tricolored Heron flew onto the boardwalk handrail and started preening. It allowed me to slowly approach until it filled my camera frame without zooming. Although it was August and the breeding season was over, this bird was in delightful plumage!

Tricolored Heron

Tricolored Heron