Tricolored Heron at the Marsh Pond

A Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor) perched along the marsh pond at Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach, North Carolina. Formerly called the Louisiana Heron, this bird is sitting on a limb next to the Marsh Pond Overlook along the Elliot Coues Nature Trail. The bird stayed amazingly calm, allowing me to slip within 25 feet or so; These large wading birds are native to the Atlantic coast of the Americans ranging from the northeast south to the Gulf coast, Caribbean and as far south as Brazil. Along the Pacific coast it can be found from Califonia to Peru.. They typically breed in colonies, frequently in the presence of other species of herons and egrets. Breeding areas include swamps and other coastal areas. They usually lay 3 to 7 eggs on platforms of sticks buil in shrubs and low-lying trees. A wading predator, they typically stalk their prey in shallow water. Their diet includes crustaceans, fish, insects and other aquatic creatures.

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