A flash of brilliant white...
Cuts across the beach at first light, long legs trailing behind as the snowy egret lifts off from an old piece of driftwood. Wings spread wide against the soft blue sky, golden yellow feet glowing like little slippers, it flies low over the waves before settling again on the sand.
I captured these three moments during one peaceful morning walk near my tiny home in Costa Rica. The same stretch of coast where the jungle meets the sea. In that quiet hour, this elegant little heron felt like a living brushstroke of light.
Snowy egrets are smaller and more active than their larger cousins. They hunt with quick, purposeful steps through the shallows or along the shoreline, stirring up the sand with their bright yellow feet to flush out small fish and crustaceans. Then comes the sudden strike! Neck darting forward like a spear.
But it’s their flight that always steals my breath... Clean white wings against the Pacific Ocean backdrop, legs trailing, that unmistakable flash of color at the feet. They move with such ease, as if the whole beach belongs to them for the taking.
I’ve learned that trusting your wings, lifting off when the moment feels right and carrying a little brightness with you wherever you go will be the key. These birds show up almost every morning, full of quiet energy and simple beauty. They’ve become one of my favorite coastal companions. A gentle nudge to stay present, stay light and keep chasing the wild that makes me feel most alive.
