There are moments in wildlife photography where everything comes together — the light, the timing, and the sheer grace of the subject. Photographing a Great Egret (Ardea alba) taking to flight at RSPB Saltholme was one of those moments.
The Great Egret is a striking bird — all white plumage, long elegant neck, and a wingspan that commands attention. Despite its size, there’s something almost otherworldly about watching one launch itself from the water’s edge, wings spreading wide as it lifts effortlessly into the air.
RSPB Saltholme, on the banks of the Tees estuary in County Durham, is a wonderful reserve for wading birds and wildfowl. The open wetland pools and reed beds attract a rich variety of species, and patience is well rewarded. The Great Egret has become an increasingly regular visitor to sites like this as the species continues its range expansion across the UK.
These shots were captured with the Lumix G9 II, which proved exceptional for tracking the bird’s movement. The phase-detect autofocus locked on quickly and held focus through the entire take-off sequence — no small feat with a fast-moving subject against a cluttered background. The pre burst mode also meant take off wasn’t missed.