Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens)
Standing about two and a half feet high, this young Reddish Egret has a wild look in his eye. Watching him hunt for food was a real treat. Unlike the Great Blue Heron or the Great Egret, this long-legged wader races back and forth in shallow water flapping his hugh wings until he spies something edible, and then he swoops down to get it. This egret is found along the coastal areas in warm climates with its largest population found in Texas. Photographed on Sanibel Island, Florida.
Standing about two and a half feet high, this young Reddish Egret has a wild look in his eye. Watching him hunt for food was a real treat. Unlike the Great Blue Heron or the Great Egret, this long-legged wader races back and forth in shallow water flapping his hugh wings until he spies something edible, and then he swoops down to get it. This egret is found along the coastal areas in warm climates with its largest population found in Texas. Photographed on Sanibel Island, Florida.
Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)
The three photos below are of the elegant Snowy Egret. All three were taken on Sanibel Island, Florida.
Smaller than the Great Egret, this beautiful bird can be easily recognized by the black bill and yellow feet. He can be found in most coastal areas of the United States as well as inland marshes and ponds. During the 19th century, Snowy Egrets were slaughtered almost to extinction for their beautiful plumes, used to decorate hats. Fortunately, complete protection has brought their numbers back up again.