Cattle Egret, Bubulcus ibis:
Saint Augustine Alligator Farm; Saint Augustine, Florida
This beautiful
Cattle Egret sports its exquisite breeding plumage as it preforms a nuptial
dance to attract a female.
Cattle
Egrets are an Old World species that made their way across the Atlantic during
the 19th century. This
species was first seen in the Americas on the border of Guiana and Suriname in
1877. It arrived in North America in 1941, and in 1953 they were found
breeding in Florida. By 1962 the birds were a breeding species in Canada.
It is now a common bird across North America. In its breeding plumage, I think it is one of
our most beautiful egrets. Learn more
about the Cattle Egret at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cattle_egret
Nikon D7000, Nikkor 500mm f/4, 1/400 second @ f/5
...nice! You caught him at the perfect "feather fluffing!"
ReplyDeleteThank you Kelly.
ReplyDeleteWould you let me know if you guys get an invasion of Pine Grosbeaks this year. I would like to photograph some.
When traveling along 41 north of the Everglades National Park last month, I saw a ridiculously plumaged (most likely juvenile) Cattle Egret. If I didn't have fellow travelers with me, I would have turned around for the photo-op. Huge regrets for not doing so. Not beauty like you present here, but highly unusual!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment Bob.
ReplyDelete