A great blue heron chick in its nest at Wakodahatchee wetlands in Delray Beach, Florida. Photo: Ronen Tivony

My photograph of a Great Blue Heron chick from Wakodahatchee Wetlands in Delray Beach, Florida, has been published in The Guardian’s “Week in Wildlife” gallery, highlighting South Florida’s vibrant bird life on a global stage. The image shows a Great Blue Heron chick in its nest at Wakodahatchee, one of the best places in Florida to photograph nesting wading birds at close range from a boardwalk.

  • Published in: The Guardian – “Week in Wildlife”

  • Date: 27 February 2026

  • Subject: Great Blue Heron chick in its nest at Wakodahatchee Wetlands

  • Location: Delray Beach, Palm Beach County, South Florida

Why Wakodahatchee Wetlands Is a Heron Hotspot

Wakodahatchee Wetlands is a man‑made treatment wetland that has become one of South Florida’s most productive bird rookeries. For wildlife photographers, it offers rare, consistent access to Great Blue Heron nests at eye level.​

Key reasons Wakodahatchee is ideal for Great Blue Heron photography:

  • Reliable nesting season: Great Blue Herons and other wading birds return each year to breed, court, and raise chicks on small islands near the boardwalk.​

  • Close, ethical viewing: The elevated boardwalk provides safe, non‑intrusive views of nests, chicks, and adults bringing in sticks and fish.

  • Variety of species: In addition to Great Blue Herons, you can often photograph Great Egrets, Wood Storks, Tricolored Herons, Anhingas, and more in a single morning.​

For photographers visiting Delray Beach, Wakodahatchee is a must‑see location if you want to capture Great Blue Herons in every stage of the breeding cycle, from courtship displays to downy chicks.

About Ronen Tivony & Wildlife with Ronen, LLC

My journey in photography actually began over 32 years ago. Before focusing on the beauty of the natural world, I spent decades as a professional wire photojournalist covering everything from breaking news to politics.

In 2020, I was honored to be awarded a Fellowship by the Royal Photographic Society (FRPS), a distinction that reflects my commitment to the art and craft of visual storytelling. Today, I combine that technical expertise with my training as a Certified Florida Master Naturalist through the University of Florida.