Despite its recent release, the image of these Great American White Egrets was captured on camera by George over 30 years ago. It was the opening day of the 1969 goose hunting season when George visited Maryland's Senator, Fred Malkus on his property located adjacently to Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. Governor Martin Mandel was also in attendance during the hunting party.
On this outing, George took with him his gun and his camera. Just as he went to fire his first shot, the gun jammed. Instead of taking the Senator up on an offer for a replacement pump shotgun located back at the house, George decided to accept his fate and arm himself with his camera instead. As luck would have it, when George walked out of the blind, his attention was immediately directed towards these magnificent birds.
Again, as luck would have it, George misplaced the negatives not long after having the photos developed. He finally found them after cleaning out an old filing cabinet and at that moment, decided that he would not loose the image again.
Detailed Shots!
Wing Detail
Egret Head/Face Detail