Juvenile Tricolored Heron on Avery Island.

Spring Clover on Avery Island.

The Audubon Society says Little Blue Herons are probably closely related to the Snowy Egret, despite their differences in color. The chicks of the two species look almost alike, as LBH's are born white. They often mingle with juvenile Snowy Egrets, who stir up more prey than the LBH's could on their own. The white color also protects the young LBH's from mature Snowy Egrets, who don't like mature LBH's at all. Unlike Snowy Egrets, mature LBH's were not a target of the plume hunters back in the late 1800's because their feathers were short and dark--not ideal for women's hats.

Anhinga on Avery Island.

Wood Duck drake on Avery Island.

A pair of Wood Ducks on Avery Island.

Wood Duck hen and drake on Avery Island.

Anhinga in flight on Avery Island.

Anhinga in flight on Avery Island.

Anhinga in Jungle Gardens on Avery Island, looking as though he has just swallowed a large fish.

Anhinga in Jungle Gardens on Avery Island.

Anhinga in Jungle Gardens on Avery Island, looking as though he has just swallowed a large fish.

Armadillo rooting for a snack.

Juvenile White Ibis.

Juvenile White Ibis. The mature White Ibis are snow white with red beaks during mating season.

This Tri-colored Heron stood on the second bird for quite a while.

Tri-colored Heron landing on another.

Black-bellied Whistler ducks on Avery Island.

Hawk looking for prey from a high up perch on Avery Island.

Gallinule on Avery Island.

Avery Island Road as the remnants of Hurricane Harvey passed through.

Juvenile Common Gallinule.

Reflection of Black-bellied Whistler ducks in Avery Island's Jungle Gardens.

Wood Duck on Avery Island.

Bamboo house in Jungle Gardens.

Turkey vultures on a sunny winter morning on Avery Island.

Black-bellied Whistling Duck on Avery Island.

Alligator patrolling at Bird City in Avery Island's Jungle Gardens.

Cheroee Rose on spring tree on Bassich lease.

Alligator on Avery Island.

Tri-colored Heron on Avery Island.

Tri-Colored Heron on Avery Island.

Tricolored Heron sitting treetop at Avery Island's Bird City.

The Fulvous Tree Duck is a whistling duck that breeds across much of Central and South America, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and the Gulf Coast of the United States. They prefer freshwater lakes with plentiful vegetation, and although they are common, these are the first we have seen on Avery Island.

Tricolored Heron flying over Avery Island's Bird City.

Little Blue Heorn flying over Bird City.

Little Blue Heron Flying over Avery Island's Bird City.

The Tricolored Heron then made an ill-advised landing on the Great Egret platform at Avery Island's Bird City. Shortly thereafter, the Great Egrets chased him off.

Dr. Tinsley Camellia Japonica on Avery Island.

While Magnolia × soulangeana is the botanical name for these trees that bloom in early spring, sporting beautiful large pink, purple, or white flowers, they are commonly called Japanese Magnolias, Tulip Magnolias, or Saucer Magnolias. The blooms pictured above announce that spring is on its way every year in Avery Island's jungle Gardens.

Llama on Avery Island.

Great Blue Heron in the late afternoon sun on Avery Island.

Great Blue Heron in Avery Island's Jungle Gardens.

Great Blue Heron on Avery Island.

Great Blue Heron on Avery Island.

Owl on Avery Island.