The White-faced Heron (Egretta novaehollandiae) is among the most familiar and widely distributed of Australia’s waterbirds, distinguished by its soft slate-grey plumage, long slender yellow legs, and the pure white of its face, throat, and upper breast. This elegant wader inhabits an extensive range of environments, from tidal estuaries and coastal mudflats to freshwater wetlands, inland lakes, and even urban parklands. Its feeding is a study in quiet precision, the bird advancing slowly through shallow waters in search of small fish, amphibians, and aquatic invertebrates, striking with a sudden dart of its fine, dark bill. I recall that I first captured this image during a journey to Lakes Entrance, Victoria, undertaken in my university years with the purpose of practising waterbird photography. Situated where the Gippsland Lakes meet the Southern Ocean, Lakes Entrance is renowned for its vast system of inland waterways, sheltered lagoons, and sweeping sandbars, providing an ideal refuge for a diversity of avian life. The morning light over the calm estuarine waters, combined with the abundance of birdlife, created a scene of tranquil beauty—an atmosphere perfectly suited to observing and photographing the graceful White-faced Heron in its natural domain.
Linking Saturday Critter
Good night. Lakes Entrance sounds like the perfect backdrop peaceful waters, soft light, and nature at its finest. đž
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful scene
A lovely photo! We have Herons here, but no White Faced ones.
ReplyDeleteThey are always looking for fish to eat
DeleteWhat a lovely bird!
ReplyDeleteColour is a little off in this one
DeleteWhat better than to capture the wildlife in their natural habitat. As usual, beautiful shot and information! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you very much
DeleteThe bird is waiting for supper to swim into view.
ReplyDeleteThey are avid hunters
DeleteWe have a number of Herons here, but not this one. You have an intimate photo of this bird.
ReplyDeleteInteresting to know all types of herons around the world
DeleteWhat a stunning photograph, the heron is so beautiful and elegant. It's amazing how you captured its quiet grace and the soft morning light. I can almost feel the peacefulness of the scene. Thank you so much for sharing your passion for bird photography, it's truly inspiring. I've always wanted to try photographing wildlife. What are your tips for getting started with waterbird photography?
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shot!
ReplyDeleteThank you Bill
Delete...a heron that is new for me.
ReplyDeleteWonder any red faced heron
DeleteWe see Great Blues here and if extremely lucky maybe a Green Heron.
ReplyDeleteBlue and green sound so exotic
DeleteGreat photograph.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your weekend.
All the best Jan