Agami Herons are secretive birds that range through Central and South America. They are shy birds that readily hide in response to disturbance, and are therefore understudied. This summer I helped document the species' breeding and courtship behavior at the only known nesting colony that can be accessed on foot and where the birds are habituated to humans. It was a 10-day venture with many an hour spent standing in pouring rain behind a makeshift blind, but we learned a lot. In one of the rain breaks, I captured this female across the lagoon as she posed for a male at his chosen nest site. She must gain access to his site over time and the luxurious head plumes and red on the lores are part of the courtship display.

Canon EOS 7D with EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 Lens; f/5.6, 1/80sec, ISO 1000