Busch Wildlife Conservation area

I visited the Busch Wildlife park today and was amazed at the number of birds. Anyone within a hour or two from the area would have a great time visiting this time of year. I have been visiting the park for more than ten years and have never seen near the number of birds I encountered today. I even saw an osprey! The first time in MO. Among the species present there are egrets,blue/green/night herons, cormorants, vultures, hawks, and numerous other small species.
I have only the 100-400 lens but those of you with bigger glass would have some great opportunities.
If anyone wants a little company let me know, I will be more than happy to meet you.

great shot, I've never seen one of these on lily pads, usually they are flying away as fast as they can :), nice detail and pose in the photo

Nice capture. Just curious, was another Green Heron nearby? The pose in your photo looks a lot like the beginning of a territorial charge. The only thing missing is the feather raised up in hackles on the top of the head, which usually denotes an escalation of hostilities. Greenies are very territorial with one another.

I didn't see any other heron at the time... they stand on these lily pads and hunt. I have had luck at this location catching the birds with prey. This is one I got from the same location a couple of years ago when I first started taking photos.

Great action shot. The attack pose is the same for hunting and territorial issues.

In the first shot I really like how that BIG lily pad is sinking a bit from his weight. In the second I think you have a crowd pleaser with all the elements of umbrella like frond, the fish, the grip on the stem and super eye contact.

Mark

Two great captures well spotted. Must put the location on my to do list.

I like both of these Mark, well done environmental images. Like Lon, I like the elements in the second shot a lot.