In the creek behind our house, the snowy egret hunts for prey. As he walks, he lifts one foot and shakes it in the water to stir up insects and small fish.
In breeding season, he has long feather plumes on his head, neck and back. *
He stares toward his human photographer (Steve) with great curiosity.
Later, he perches high in a nearby cottonwood tree, balancing on a slim branch.
If you look carefully, you will see his yellow feet.
*
At one time, the beautiful plumes of the Snowy Egret were in great demand by market hunters as decorations for women's hats. This reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels. Now protected in the USA by law, under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, this bird's population has rebounded. - Wikipedia
I love the way Snowy Egrets walk. My brain always starts playing "Walk Like an Egyptian." Something about how they put up their yellow feet before taking a step.
ReplyDeletelol Elizabeth put the song in my head...great photos Janie...I wish we had a pond...
ReplyDeleteI love these birds, they are so regal looking. Beautiful photographs.
ReplyDeleteOutstanding! Nice to be graced with such a beautiful visitor.
ReplyDeleteLots of those in the Everglades!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bird, Janie.. Glad he is protected now.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy
Great shots! Egrets are so beautiful and I'm so glad they are protected now. I remember a documentary about how they were almost wiped out in the Everglades due to that feather hat fad.
ReplyDeleteThese are wonderful pictures of the snowy egret. I really like the reflection in the picture where he's checking out Steve.
ReplyDeleteThose are some really good pictures. How lucky you are to see a snowy egret so close to home.
ReplyDeleteThose are some really good pictures. How lucky you are to see a snowy egret so close to home.
ReplyDeleteA+ to Steve on this photographic essay of the Egret! I love the concentric circles as he walks.
ReplyDeleteThis is SO lovely, Janie. I felt like I was reading an illustrated Mary Oliver poem.
ReplyDeleteIn Texas, I loved seeing egrets standing on top of cows!
Hi Janie, I was surprise to see a snowy egret enjoying a stay in Utah.. and the first Cottonwood tree I've seen up close.
ReplyDeleteMy lesson for today, thanks to Steve's beautiful shots!
hugs,
Pam
He is a beautiful boy!!!
ReplyDeleteThe egret looks wonderful in his breeding plumes. I'm glad to know these birds are protected.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots. I am impressed with the image zoomed in from such a great distance on top of the cottonwood.
ReplyDeleteI'm so jealous that Steve was able to get so close to the egret. This egret is very handsome!
ReplyDeletea very handsome bird.
ReplyDeleteThat is one spectacular bird. Just beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteWow! What fascinating photos! Love the water reflection too!
ReplyDelete(Janie, I'll be able to finally send you something in the post. Please keep an eye. This has to be delayed for safety reason). Thank you for the visit.