January 25, 2014 / Leslie

Weekend Birding: Great White Egret

Birds, Great White Egret, Photography, Photos

I featured the Great White Egret, a summer resident, last June. They are long distance migrants and are now at their winter homes in Central and South America. At the time, I wrote about how shy they are and how they usually fly away before I can get in camera range. A month later at a bird club event on a golf course I had the pleasure of photographing a very friendly and cooperative Egret who was unafraid of the many people out enjoying the summer day.

We watched him land on a flower box on one of the small bridges over a water feature where he proceeded to preen his feathers. After preening it was off to a pond for a few minutes.

Nothing much to see in the green, slimy water in this pond so off he flew to a larger, clearer pond, presumably for some fishing. Egrets hunt for their meals in shallow water. They will stand perfectly still and watch for small aquatic animals such as fish or frogs to swim past and when they do, quickly strike with their long neck and bill.

I was able to get a lot of good shots of this bird and submitted a few of them to a photo contest at Cantigny Golf and Gardens where these were taken. The second photo I posted of the Egret taking flight was chosen as one of 40 finalists. It will be displayed on the wall of the visitor’s for the next year and the public can vote for their favorite. The top three win a gift card and all finalists receive a one-year membership to the park and gardens. And yes, I’m quite excited about this!

Saturday Snapshot was originated by Alyce at At Home With Books. It is now hosted by Melinda of West Metro Mommy. Visit her blog to see more great photos or add your own.

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