New photographs shared by the New Jersey Pinelands Commission capture a beautiful white wading bird hunting for fish at the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge.
NEW JERSEY — October 14, 2026 — A snowy egret has become the star of a new series of wildlife photographs shared Wednesday by the New Jersey Pinelands Commission.
The photographs, taken by Paul Leakan of the commission, show the elegant white bird catching fish in the shallow waters of the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, part of the Pinelands National Reserve.
The commission shared the images as part of its Wading Bird Wednesday series, celebrating the remarkable birds that inhabit New Jersey’s wetlands.
With a playful caption, “Gill-ty Pleasure,” the commission highlighted the bird’s successful fishing expedition.
A Beautiful Bird With an Unusual Fishing Technique
The snowy egret (Egretta thula) is a medium-sized white heron recognized by its slender black bill, black legs, and bright yellow feet.
Although its graceful appearance makes it a favorite among birdwatchers and wildlife photographers, the snowy egret is also a skilled hunter.
It feeds primarily on small fish, shrimp, aquatic insects, and other creatures found in shallow water.
Unlike birds that simply stand still and wait for prey, snowy egrets frequently move through the water, using their yellow feet to disturb hidden fish and make them easier to catch.
They may also run, change direction suddenly, or spread their wings while hunting.
These distinctive behaviors make snowy egrets especially interesting to observe.
Edwin B. Forsythe Refuge: A Haven for Wildlife
The Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge protects approximately 48,000 acres of coastal habitats in southern New Jersey.
Its salt marshes, tidal waterways, and shallow wetlands provide essential feeding and resting areas for numerous species of birds.
Located along the Atlantic Flyway, the refuge is particularly important for migratory birds traveling between their breeding and wintering grounds.
Visitors can observe a wide variety of wildlife, including herons, egrets, ducks, shorebirds, and other coastal species.
For nature lovers, the refuge offers an opportunity to experience a quieter and often overlooked side of New Jersey.
Why Protecting Wetlands Matters
Wetlands are much more than picturesque landscapes.
They provide food and shelter for wildlife, help filter water, and can reduce the effects of coastal flooding.
For birds such as the snowy egret, healthy marshes and waterways are essential for finding food and raising young.
Habitat loss, pollution, and changing coastal conditions can threaten the delicate ecosystems on which these animals depend.
Protecting New Jersey’s wetlands helps preserve biodiversity and ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy these remarkable natural environments.
A Small Moment Worth Celebrating
Not every news story needs to involve politics, controversy, or an emergency.
Sometimes, a beautiful photograph of a bird catching its breakfast offers a welcome reminder of the natural beauty that surrounds us.
The New Jersey Pinelands Commission’s latest photographs capture one of those moments: a snowy egret doing what it does best, hunting in the shallow waters of a protected coastal refuge.
And for New Jersey residents who have never visited the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, the images might provide the perfect inspiration to discover it.
Sources:
- New Jersey Pinelands Commission — X post, October 14, 2026
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service — Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology — All About Birds, Snowy Egret
Photo Credit: Paul Leakan / New Jersey Pinelands Commission
By NJ RADAR Team