Fancy Plumes
by Maryanne Keeling
Title
Fancy Plumes
Artist
Maryanne Keeling
Medium
Photograph - Fine Art Prints, Canvas, And Metal, Photography And Prints From Original Paintings
Description
The great egret, Ardea alba, is a vision of elegance during the breeding season, adorned with exquisite mating plumage and vibrant facial colors. Its immaculate white feathers are complemented by long, delicate plumes, or aigrettes, cascading down its back and flowing gracefully beyond its tail. These ornamental plumes, a hallmark of the season, enhance its already regal appearance. Adding to its allure, the lores—the skin around its eyes—take on a striking green hue, contrasting vividly with its yellow-orange beak, which appears more vibrant at this time. In its beak, the egret delicately carries nesting materials, often a carefully chosen twig or reed, highlighting its dedication to preparing or enhancing its nest. Its long, slender legs, clad in jet-black, provide an elegant frame as it balances with practiced precision. I captured this beautiful egret in the Low Country of South Carolina in the Springtime. The great egret in its breeding display embodies grace and the industrious spirit of renewal.
Uploaded
January 9th, 2025
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Comments (11)
Marilyn MacCrakin
Great image Maryanne!! Congrats on being featured on A Woman's Touch Homepage!! F/L
Leslie Reagan
Gorgeous Great Egret in full breeding plumage and gorgeous capture and composition Maryanne - love this L/F :)
Tory Wilcox
Beautiful capture of a nesting moment. The breeding plumage including the lore is gorgeous, and the lighting and greenery highlight the beauty and grace.
Pat Goltz
I like the way you caught this Great Egret with its plumage spread. Doing a Snowy Egret impersonation!
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