Tricolored Heron

This might be my favorite heron in North America; I particularly like the subtle purple sheen on the beautifully layered neck feathers. This species doesn't occur in California, but it's common on the Gulf Coast, my annual guiding gig at the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival offering welcome access to this handsome bird. I love crawling around in the warm Gulf waters whenever I'm in South Texas, this encounter no exception.

South Padre Island, Texas, 11/9/19
Canon 600mm f/4 IS II + 1.4x III on EOS 1DX Mark II
1/2500 at f/5.6, ISO 640