Fort Desoto Great Egret and Tricolored Heron

Recent Update: Thursday, March 12, 2020

Fort Desoto Great Egret and Tricolored Heron

I selected the North Beach area at Fort Desoto, FL in 2014 to meet up with Moose Peterson for my Master Light Program. The place seemed to be teaming with birds and energy. In 2016, when I returned, the Park service had slaughtered the massive 60-year-old invasive-oak forest that was here. I was disheartened because what remained was an area that was sun-baked and without osprey nests. In 2018, it is challenging to report if the birds of Fort Desoto’s North Beach are coming back. However, tourists on their paddleboard technology certainly did not disturb this bucolic bay before.

This unique ecoscape has been a touchstone on my photography journey for almost ten years. It continues to inspire my imagination due to the frailness of these feathers, beaks and bones against the harsh realities of surf, predators and tourists.

Fort Desoto North Beach

The usual characters like the Fort Desoto Great Egret and Tricolored Heron are still commonplace here. You just need to look at the far corner of the inlet under the mangrove trees. You can time your weekday trip here at low-tide, and perhaps you will get a chance to see the Great White Egret. Another favorite here is the tricolored heron. You will be able to see a few juveniles. These birds are very active, colorful and photogenic as they use their wings to cast shade over reflecting water.

Planning your trip here?

Your best bet is to arrive here early to avoid waiting in long entrance lines and also the midday light is very harsh and contrasty. If you bring a C-POL, you may not use as the sun is often directly on your back. The best advice is to keep moving your position and be aware that you can work both sides of the inlet. Tread lightly and be sure to have feet protection that can survive the muck and water. Tevas are a good choice.

TIP: Use your spot meter on white feather birds to avoid overexposure

Fort Desoto

You can capture bird images at two locations in the park. The larger birds are found at the North Beach location. The smaller shorebirds are located at the East Beach location.

BIRDS of Fort Desoto

Fort Desoto Great Egret and Tricolored Heron

Big Stopper at Ft. Desoto by photographer ed Fritz

Desoto Stumped feature image H by photographer ed Fritz

Desoto Spoonbill trance by photographer Ed Fritz

Desoto Grey Heron by photographer Ed Fritz

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FI-20131227_0030_FL_04_Camranger_at_Desoto

FI-20131224_0200_FL_01_Tue_Merry_Christmas_From_Ft-Desoto

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