Snowy Egret vs. Dragonfly

No surprise who won the match...


But it was surprising to look at my photos and realize what a lucky shot I'd gotten!


I photographed this Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) a couple of weeks ago at Merced National Wildlife Refuge, while it was enjoying an afternoon meal of dragonfly after an expertly-timed mid-air snatch at its prey. 


We usually picture egrets waiting at the water's edge to spear small fish, frogs and crustaceans, but they will dine on dragonfly as well, if it's on the menu!  And early fall is prime dragonfly season.

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