May 18, 2011

Snowy Egret

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

20 comments:

  1. 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.

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  2. lol Elizabeth put the song in my head...great photos Janie...I wish we had a pond...

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  3. I love these birds, they are so regal looking. Beautiful photographs.

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  4. Outstanding! Nice to be graced with such a beautiful visitor.

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  5. Lots of those in the Everglades!

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  6. Beautiful bird, Janie.. Glad he is protected now.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  7. 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.

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  8. These are wonderful pictures of the snowy egret. I really like the reflection in the picture where he's checking out Steve.

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  9. Those are some really good pictures. How lucky you are to see a snowy egret so close to home.

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  10. Those are some really good pictures. How lucky you are to see a snowy egret so close to home.

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  11. A+ to Steve on this photographic essay of the Egret! I love the concentric circles as he walks.

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  12. This is SO lovely, Janie. I felt like I was reading an illustrated Mary Oliver poem.
    In Texas, I loved seeing egrets standing on top of cows!

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  13. 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.
    My lesson for today, thanks to Steve's beautiful shots!

    hugs,
    Pam

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  14. The egret looks wonderful in his breeding plumes. I'm glad to know these birds are protected.

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  15. Great shots. I am impressed with the image zoomed in from such a great distance on top of the cottonwood.

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  16. I'm so jealous that Steve was able to get so close to the egret. This egret is very handsome!

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  17. That is one spectacular bird. Just beautiful photos.

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  18. Wow! What fascinating photos! Love the water reflection too!

    (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.

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