In the middle of the city of Venice, FL is a very small pond with a little island on one end. Each year the island becomes home to dozens of herons, egrets and cormorants that build their nests and raise their young. It is a photographer and birder magnet because the island and its birds are so close to shore. The park is managed by the local Audubon chapter.
It’s a great time to witness the breeding plumage of the Great Egrets. They develop lacy back feathers and the coloring around their beaks turns bright green.
A few more pictures from this journey are featured below. For a larger selection of photos, go to the galleries listed.