Reddish Egret

Photos taken at Fort DeSoto

A conspicuously long-legged, long-necked wader of coastal regions, more tied to salt water than any of the other herons or egrets. Often draws attention by its feeding behavior: running through shallows with long strides, staggering sideways, leaping in air, raising one or both wings, and abruptly stabbing at fish. Also notable for its two color morphs. Reddish Egrets are either dark or white for life, beginning with the downy stage in the nest. Mated pairs may be of the same or different color morphs, and broods of young may include either or both morphs. Over most of range, dark birds are far more numerous.

2. Reddish's have amazing feathers.

3. Putting up the left wing to make a shadow.

4. Watching for fish.

5. Dancing with both wings up!

6. Fishing her way!

7. Imposing stance.

8. Got a little fish!

9. Watching

10. Checking under.

11. Holding neck in while flying.

12. He is running in circles (see water ripples).

13. He is jumping as well as running in circles.

14. Acrobatics!

15. What a performance.

16. Making a shadow.

17. Got a bigger fish this time.

18. Shake out those feathers!

19. Posing

20. Pose #2

21. Another fish.

22. Down the hatch.

23. Got that "mullet" hairdo going.

24. Striding along.

25. Detail, yellow eye.

26. Check out those black feet, no webbing.

27. Another dance move.

28. Dance.

29. The "angel" look.

30. Those feathers!

31. Resting.

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