There was a bird in the marsh at Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center that was unexpected for me. Four Tri-colored Herons had somehow dropped in along their migration route. I associate these birds more with Florida than with Maryland, so to see their colorful presence was truly a gift.
They used to be called a Louisiana heron, and with their new name are known to grace the marshes in the southern and eastern coasts of the United States. Of course, they have the smarts to winter in Central America and Baja Mexico.
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If you do not expect the unexpected you will not find it,
for it is not to be reached by search or trail.
Heraclitus 
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
The tri color is so cool, the blue colors are soft yet so vivid 🙂
Hi Andy !! Hope all is well with you. Of course I had to return today to try again with better light. They are so awesome. Happy to share this one with you.
That they indeed are and thank you for sharing 🙂 🙂
I love both images, but the top one is really great. The way the foot has just lifted out of the water, and the wings down like that. So full of anticipation. Lovely shot!
You are truly too kind and appreciate your wonderful perspective of that capture. Thanks C. Wood and welcome!
How absolutely GORGEOUS! 🙂
Aren’t they amazing? I went again today and have an even better capture of one. Love them.
Really? I can’t wait to see! 🙂
Beautiful birds and wonderful photos! We have Great Blue Herons in our area. Getting a photo of one is on my photography bucket list. Love these pictures!
Great Blues can be shy, so good luck with that. I know you’ll get the shot with patience. Thanks Teresa and welcome.
so beautiful!!!
Thank you so very much.
Wonderful shots, Emily, of a bird that I certainly wouldn’t expect to see in our area.
Me neither, but evidently it’s not considered a true rarity. For the 3-4 years of birding I haven’t heard of them being in the area before. Thanks Mike.
Beautiful shots! It was so nice you could see these beautiful small herons up in MD. They are a treat every time I see them here too. So graceful.
Oh lucky you to be able to enjoy these beautiful herons more often. They are really unique. Thanks Tiny.
What a special bird! The kind of sight that makes your day. 🙂
You know it is, and well worth the wait for me. I had to go back again today as I didn’t want to miss them.
I love your determination. Good on you!
So dainty and beautiful, Emily. 🙂
You are so kind Sylvia. Thank you so much.
Great captures~ they are gorgeous!
Congratulations on the trip-colored, that’s one that I have yet to track down.
I thought it rather unusual to have the tri-coloreds in Maryland. It does happen, but not often.