
Myakka River State Park
The river and its two shallow lakes attract a myriad of wetlands creatures, making it a birding paradise. I drove the 7-mile scenic drive that winds through the park and along the lakeshore.
On this trip, I focused on photographing the Tricolored Heron. This medium-sized Heron is one of the most colorful Herons.

Tricolored Heron FujiFilm H2s Nikon 500 PF +1.7 ext.
One of the first stops along the drive is a large wetland area that attracts all types of wildlife. This Tricolored Heron was wading and looking for food.

Tricolored Heron FujiFilm H2s Fuji 200 F2 + 1.4 ext.
I was at the Park a few days ago, just surveying the area. This time I drove to the boat launch area and found this Tricolored hunting for lunch.

Tricolored Heron FujiFilm H2s Fuji 200 F2 + 1.4 ext.
They are intense hunters, slowly walking around looking for food.

Tricolored Heron FujiFilm H2s Fuji 200 F2 + 1.4 ext.
They pause, raise their wings, and stare into the water.

Tricolored Heron FujiFilm H2s Fuji 200 F2 + 1.4 ext.
Then suddenly, dive into the water, hoping for a meal.

Tricolored Heron FujiFilm H2s Nikon 200 F2 + 1.4 ext.
This time the Heron was successful, down the hatch!

Tricolored Heron FujiFilm H2s Fuji 200 F2 + 1.4 ext.
I watched for over an hour as they repeated the same process.

Tricolored Heron FujiFilm H2s Fuji 200 F2 + 1.4 ext.
This one had had some practice, down the hatch again.

Tricolored Heron FujiFilm H2s Fuji 200 F2 + 1.4 ext.
I enjoyed watching this beautiful Heron wade through the water and hopefully catching the moment on the camera.
Photography should be fun! It's not about the phone or camera brand you're using. Remember, your best photographs result from one thing, making an effort to get out and shoot.
Comments are always welcomed.
Mark