This is a beautiful bird and I encountered him while kayaking at the Silver Springs State Park in Florida. He was standing on a small bit of log in a quiet cove. I was the first boat in the water that day and did not even see a second boat until an hour later. It was so nice. So I was with the current here and coasted with my camera ready to about 12-15 feet from the bird and took the shot. He showed no sign of distress so I just stayed a couple of minutes and watched as the female also emerged and settled in the water at the other end of the log. Great moment.
