23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
Cocoi heron rousing it's feathers

Birds will maintain their feathers in different ways, fluffing and preening being common. This heron in Brazil captured my attention as it started swinging it's head, neck and body over a few minutes. I was fortunately on the other side of a small river and got a nice series of action pictures. This one, with the head centered on the body, makes me think of Mardi Gras masks.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 05.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Canasvieiras, Brazil
Copyright: © Paul Locher