This photo of a great white heron was taken on June 21 at the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park. The great white heron is a rare sighting in this region, and the global population is estimated at only about 4000 individuals. The great white heron is actually a white morph of the great blue heron and is found primarily in southern Florida and the Florida Keys, making it a specialty species for the state. It prefers coastal habitats, such as mangroves, shallow bays, and islands, and is much less common inland. Its entirely white plumage, large size, yellow bill, and pale legs help distinguish it from the smaller and more widespread great egret. Seeing one this far from its usual coastal range makes this observation especially noteworthy. Thanks to Matthew Corey for sharing!
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