Among the brush of the lagoon lurks a dangerous predator....a Snowy Egret. Through the smallest of this bird family don't let its small stature and seemingly delicate appearance fool you. This bird is a tenacious and relentless hunter. Foraging for its prey which ranges from insects to fish to frogs its is an amazing creature to watch. Cunning, patient, agile and merciless, it is a formidable foe to all that it counts as its prey. Aside from photographing raptors, Snowy Egrets have become one of my favorite birds to photograph. They employ a number of techniques when hunting for food, from the statuesque stance as it patiently waits for the right time to strike to the more animated approach were it shuffles its feet in the mud or runs back and forth with wings spread to wrangle its prey it really is a sight to behold. One of the things that I have come to appreciate is how emotive it can be, when something catches its attention the feathers on its head stand on end or it will tilt its head to the side to point an eye towards the water. That's usually one of my cues to be ready for what this bird will do next. Photographing wildlife is one of my great joys, but some animals just capture the heart and imagination more than others. You may be wondering why I have been photographing at the lagoon so much, for the past few months I have been working on a special project that is very near and dear to my heart. I've had to keep it under wraps but this Thursday I will be able to share with you one of the fruits of this labor and I hope that you all enjoy it. Make sure you stay tuned :) #california #encinitas #encinitasmag #encinitascoastlife #surfrider #sanelijolagoon #sanelijoconservancy #snowyegret #audobonsociety #nikonusa #nikon #d5 #600mmsniper #wildlife #socal #explore #spring #conservation #nature #natgeoyourshot #natgeo #outdoors #hunter #bird #MyRRS