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Egretta caerulea
Small heron that nests in colonies. While the adults are a beautiful shade of slate blue, the juveniles are pure white for their first year (shown here). These juveniles often mingle with the much larger snowy egrets, and seem to find greater fishing success when they do so. They also have much greater protection against predation. Breeds in the Gulf states.
I spotted this while canoeing up the Wekiwa River in Florida, not far from the spring. It was on its own hunting, and flew off once we got nearer. They are widely found in sub-tropical swamps, so this was their perfect habitat.
2 Comments
Man, juvenile herons are confusing haha! Thanks for the comment, Kelly :)
I posted a pic of a young Green Heron and they are blue. Very beautiful and ironic. Love your pics!