E....is for Egret
The elegant
Great Egret is a dazzling sight in many a North American wetland. Slightly
smaller and more svelte than a Great Blue Heron, these are still large birds
with impressive wingspans. They hunt in classic heron fashion, standing
immobile or wading through wetlands to capture fish with a deadly jab of their
yellow bill. Great Egrets were hunted nearly to extinction for their plumes in
the late nineteenth century, sparking conservation movements and some of the
first laws to protect birds.
Great Egrets
wade in shallow water (both fresh and salt) to hunt fish, frogs, and other
small aquatic animals. They typically stand still and watch for unsuspecting
prey to pass by. Then, with startling speed, the egrets strike with a jab of
their long neck and bill.
Among the
most elegant of the herons, the slender Snowy Egret sets off immaculate white
plumage with black legs and brilliant yellow feet. Those feet seem to play a
role in stirring up or herding small aquatic animals as the egret forages.
Breeding Snowy Egrets grow filmy, curving plumes that once fetched astronomical
prices in the fashion industry, endangering the species. Early conservationists
rallied to protect egrets by the early twentieth century, and this species is
once again a common sight in shallow coastal wetlands.
Snowy Egrets
wade in shallow water to spear fish and other small aquatic animals. While they
may employ a sit-and-wait technique to capture their food, sometimes they are
much more animated, running back and forth through the water with their wings
spread, chasing their prey.
The short,
thick-necked Cattle Egret spends most of its time in fields rather than
streams. It forages at the feet of grazing cattle, head bobbing with each step,
or rides on their backs to pick at ticks. This stocky white heron has yellow
plumes on its head and neck during breeding season. Originally from Africa, it
found its way to North America in 1953 and quickly spread across the continent.
Elsewhere in the world, it forages alongside camels, ostriches, rhinos, and
tortoisesāas well as farmersā tractors.
A medium to
large heron of shallow salt water, the Reddish Egret comes in a dark and a
white form. It is a very active forager, often seen running, jumping, and
spinning in its pursuit of fish
Photos taken at The Viera Wetlands, Gatorland, Black Point Drive
Be blessed and be a blessing!
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