Wurdemann's Heron: Flamingo, Everglades National Park, Florida
Once thought to be a separate species from the Great Blue Heron, the Wurdemann's Heron is now considered a color variation of the Great Blue as is The Great White Heron. The Wurdemann's Heron is distinguished from the Great Blue primarily by its white head absent the distinct black marking which sweeps out from above the eye of the bird toward the back of its head. This bird was found at the entrance to the Flamingo marina from the bay side. It stood among the mangrove prop roots with the lovely patterns of the morning light filtering through the foliage giving the bird a silky, ethereal sheen. I found it remarkably lovely.

Wurdemann's HeronGreat Blue HeronFlamingoEverglades National ParkHeronFloridaColor VariationColor MorphMangroves