Cattle Egrets...an interesting bird
Aug 2, 2017 21:00:22 #
Prior to 1964, there were no confirmed sightings of cattle egrets here in California. They are native to Africa but reached South America in 1877. Arriving in the US in 1941, nesting was observed here by 1953. In the next 50 years cattle egrets became one of the most abundant of the North American herons (egrets are a type of heron), spreading all over the country. In one of my college ornithology classes (1964), I remember my professor telling us students, that there were none in our fair state of California. That has all certainly changed.
fluffing
A refreshing drink on a 100 plus degree afternoon
Dinner for the young uns
fluffing
A refreshing drink on a 100 plus degree afternoon
Dinner for the young uns
Aug 2, 2017 21:20:53 #
Lame-Duck wrote:
Prior to 1964, there were no confirmed sightings o... (show quote)
This is such a beautifully done set Mike! They are indeed an interesting bird and your excellent narrative will help us be alert for spotting them. This is truly fine work, thanks.
Phil
Aug 2, 2017 21:30:04 #
Absolutely Beautiful Shots of these exquisite birds. Grew up on a farm in New Orleans and do not recall ever seeing a Cattle Egret when working the fields. After 8 years in the AF we settled in Los Angeles. I visit N.O. often now and for about the last 20 years their population is really expanding. They love to feed in the pastures and when we till or mow they always come for the fleeing insects, often 50 or 60 at a time
Aug 3, 2017 03:14:47 #
Aug 3, 2017 03:51:16 #
Aug 3, 2017 06:20:44 #
Aug 3, 2017 07:50:23 #
Aug 3, 2017 08:37:12 #
Beautiful series and informative narrative. Cattle Egrets are common here and I think their beauty is under appreciated.
Aug 3, 2017 09:54:58 #
Very good photographs.
The odyssey of the Cattle Egrets from Africa to South America and finally to North America reminds me of the Africanized bees and how they got here.
The odyssey of the Cattle Egrets from Africa to South America and finally to North America reminds me of the Africanized bees and how they got here.
Aug 3, 2017 10:56:17 #
Aug 3, 2017 12:04:38 #
Beautiful shots. Did you take these near the zoo? The Cattle Egrets had a lot of babies this year.
Aug 3, 2017 13:00:27 #
Excellent series and information Mike, they are beautiful birds. Love the family group. 
Aug 3, 2017 13:03:50 #
Amazing captures, Mike!! I've never seen one of these on LI, so I really enjoyed these.... especially #3 with his punky feathers and #4 taking a cool drink with reflection!!
Excellent shots as always!!
Excellent shots as always!!
Aug 3, 2017 14:03:28 #
Aug 3, 2017 15:08:17 #
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