Saturday, April 20, 2013

Great Egrets

A bit cooler today and oh-so-sunny, high of 60 and dipping around 40 tonight but a bit warmer than yesterday. We received about 2 inches of rain yesterday but north of us flooded (I think I read 28 counties were being designated disaster areas) so I'm certainly not complaining...this area flooded in May 2011 and not wanting a repeat any time soon! Well, ever really!

Yesterday, David had to go into Golconda for some medication and he stopped at Bay Creek when he noticed two Great Egrets (also known as the Common or American Egret) there. Luckily, he usually has his camera with him and yesterday was no exception.

They are normally in this area for breeding and nest in trees; when the male is ready to incubate the eggs, he lands on a branch near the nest...as he approaches, he raises his wings and the long nuptial plumes on his back. His mate reacts by raising her back feathers as he caresses her with his head. After the female leaves, the male settles on the eggs, once more raising and flaring his plumes.

















2 comments:

  1. What lovely photos and with all the violence this week it is good to read something that reminds us of the beauty around us. We need to focus on. Thanks for sharing

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    1. I agree it is important to whisk ourselves away from the news sometimes! It's amazing how our surroundings can help. Thank you very much for visiting and your kind comments.

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