These two young Cattle Egrets above are looking quite debonair, with their sleek feathers and mini-crew cuts. 
In the early weeks of their lives “both parents feed the young by regurgitation. Young begin to climb about near nest after 15-20 days, begin to fly at 25-30 days, and become independent at about 45 days.” (Audubon.org, Cattle Egret)
At this time of year, in the heat of mid-July, this late brood of juvenile Cattle Egrets are trying out their wings in preparation for learning to fly.
Cattle Egrets are natives of Africa, but they “somehow reached northeastern South America in 1877.” They later spread to North America over the last half of the 20th century, and are now one of our most abundant herons (All About Birds, Cattle Egret).
The Cattle Egret is the same rather non-descript bird that we see often sitting atop grazing cattle, or foraging for insects and other small invertebrates in agricultural areas.
Yet when we see them in March, at the peak of their breeding colors, Cattle Egrets are transformed into real beauties!
Then, by the end of next year’s nesting season, the young birds will develop the peach-colored feathers and snazzy appearance their parents are displaying now.
Birder's Journey 
A nice informative sequence about a beautiful bird who doesn’t get his due. How does the cattle egret keep its intense snowy white color. Thanks, BJ.
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Thanks, Berny. Like other white egrets, they preen themselves all the time:)
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Interesting post and beautiful photographs!
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Thank you, Belinda. I’m always fascinated by how special they look during mating season.
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They are gorgeous! Thank you for sharing 🙂
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I agree – It’s a shame that these egrets are often overlooked, since their ‘cousins’ the Snowy and Great Egrets are so stunning.
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I’ve never seen an egret with so beautiful head!
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Aren’t those colors awesome?! Love seeing them close up.
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Wow, look at these majestic birds! Amazing! Beautiful head shots too, thank you for sharing!
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Their colorful heads are just begging for close up portraits in breeding and nesting season!
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Beautiful pics BJ, this is one of my wife’s favorite birds especially with breeding plumage. We see lots of them in the cattle country up north where we see their nests.
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Thank you, AB. I never appreciated the cattle egrets till I watched them throughout the cycle of the year here in our wetland marshes.
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Beautiful pictures! Their breeding plumage is truly gorgeous!
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I’m always amazed by the dazzling color changes in Egrets during the late winter / early spring as their courting begins!
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