23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
Tricolored Heron

I spotted the this Tricolored Heron while touring the Merrit Island Refuge. I quietly approached it only to see an alligator within 2 feet of me. I still photographed the bird and I backed away. Greatfully the alligator also backed away.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 02.2024
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: titusville, fl, United States of America
Copyright: © Peter Bolton