15th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Great egrets in the early morning fog

This photo was taken from a trail near the San Elijo Ecological Reserve. This reserve contains over 900 acres of protected wetlands, coastal sage scrub, and salt marshes. The habitat is one of the largest remaining coastal wetlands in San Diego County. Great egrets are regular visitors here, and on this particular morning, they looked magical in the fog against the colorful backdrop of the lagoon.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 10.2016
Date Uploaded: 11.2017
Photo Location: Encinitas, CA, California, United States of America
Camera: NIKON D3200
Copyright: © Nicole ("Nicollet") Overby