Along the Water's Edge

"Known for their fondness for life in wet habitats, wading birds can be found near lakes, swamps and more. Dive into these amazing reader photos."

There's a Heron Rookery near my home. When I took this photo in March 2020, this great blue heron pair was still in the nest-building stage. Another male had returned to a neighboring nest, which is what prompted this pose as they watched.

Curt Lundeen Mequon, Wisconsin

I made a mad dash to Brazos Bend State Park here in southeast Texas when it reopened after being closed due to COVID-19. As I was watching and photographing the many roosting birds in the trees, I noticed this cattle egret starting a flight path in front of me.

Jerry Hopman Richmond, Texas

I found this Great Egret in Morro Bay, California. I watched as it stole nesting material from cormorants and delicately balanced each piece just so. The nest was 30 feet up and constructed in a eucalyptus tree.

Kelly Bilu Atascadero, California

While visiting West Palm Beach in Florida, I got to see many white ibises, which are as common as sparrows there. I enjoy photographing them, especially in flight.

Debbie Parker Medina, Ohio

This photo of a spectacular Snowy Egret was taken on Sanibel Island, Florida. It's probably one of my all-time favorite photos. The bird was positioned perfectly, and its stunning speckled foot and matching yellow eye patch both pop. In order to get this shot, I had to lie down on the wet, sandy beach and hope that this beauty didn't fly the coop. The snowy was cooperative and ignored me, continuing to hunt for tiny fish and other ocean nibbles.