“The elegant Great Egret is a dazzling sight in many a North American wetland.” This one was surveying the ponds below from a perch high atop the marsh, just before sunset the other day.
His sweeping spray of long feathers is a distinctive sign of the upcoming breeding season. “Called aigrettes, those plumes were the bane of egrets in the late nineteenth century, when such adornments were prized for ladies’ hats.” (both quotes from: All About Birds)
Beautiful bird and well caprtured BJ, We enjoy the presence of these birds also, and how majestic they are in their breeding plumage. I guess this one is still developing the turquoise lores and blackening of bill during breeding.
I was thinking the same thing, AB. Soon they will have all that glorious color in addition to their beautiful plumage~!
Wonderful photos!
I really appreciate your visit, Belinda – thank you~
Great photo Carol! 🙂
Thanks a million, H.J.! Have a super day~
Spectacular bird!
And they are especially elegant in their long, flowing plumage, aren’t they~?
It’s my favorite in spring when they have the long plumes and the lime green around their eyes. Just gorgeous!
I feel the same way, Pam. Soon we should have many of these Egrets in full breeding colors nesting in another nearby wetlands.
The light is very beautiful, and so is the breeding plumage of this ‘sentinel’
I love seeing the birds high in the trees in the light at sunset~!
Great exposure for this difficult white bird.
Could always be better, for sure, but you’re so right. Getting the exposure for this bright white plumage is a real challenge.
Stunning!
He is rather handsome, isn’t he? Thanks for your visit, Donna.
Perfect feathers, perfect sunlight!!
Thank you, Yaffa~ they are just so lovely in the late afternoon light.