Cattle Egrets nest on several islands on the water. There is a group of three islands that I was unable to get to last year because of the vegatation. We went to one of those islands today since there was less vegatation and the water level was high. With so many birds in such a small area the smell was strong.
We left the boat ramp before light so we could have the best light at sunup. We got to the nest just as the sun was just peeping from behind us.
The morning light cast a warm glow on everything.
There was a lot of squaking and fussing.
Some Egrets just wanted to be left alone to relax and do chores.
There were babies of all ages.
Some adults were still trying to hatch eggs.
Some young couples must have flunked their nest building course.
One would get a twig, give it to the other and that one kept dropping the twig to the ground.
Finally they had a talk about who should do what.
Finally one worked while the other pouted. When I left they had still not been succesful in getting the twigs to stay on the limb.
Other parents were much better at getting things done on time.
and more babies
more
And some who were getting hungry.
This Little Blue Heron had a nest in a bush just above the water. It was the only one there with all the Egrets.
It had to fuss to defend itself.
A White Ibis was visiting the Egrets.
There seemed to be Cattle Egrets of all ages.
Just before we left in search of calmer water this Purple Gallinule landed to check things out.
well that is all I have ready for now. Remember don't get so excited about being surrounded by the beauty of the marsh....
that you don't look where you are going.
There are all sorts of slithery things in the marsh.
Really great pictures! Nothing like being out early in the morn to see nature at its best!
Carol
Gorgeous pics Frank! That was a wonderful trip.
Thanks for sharing it with us!
Frank, a superb series.
Yes thankyou for the field trip, i enjoyed it very much :) Great Pics!
Nice pics!
Must've been an early start to beat the sunrise - what time is that for you?
Resin
What a beautiful series of photos. I felt sorry for the young nest-building couple. I bet that is a very difficult thing to learn.
Each photo in this series is perfect!! The babies are so cute and mom on the nest is gorgeous! Kinda sad that some just couldn't get their nests built right. Your sunrise was breathtaking.
What a wonderful variety! Don't know that I'd be comfortable in the water with those big eyes looking up at me or the slitherly thing on the ground, but they're necessary and I'm glad you were brave enough to get all this photos for us.
what time is that for you?
[quote]Don't know that I'd be comfortable in the water with those big eyes looking up at me[quote/]
that one was between 8 and 9 feet. My photography buddy has spent a lot of time around wildlife in this area. He is very cautious. Judge the length between the eyes and snout. Translate inches to feet and stay at least that far away. When they go under they may turn and flop their tail at you. This one did. It was warm enough that a little splash of water felt good. The wake did rock the boat a little. Here is a pic before we got close.
one a little further away
We put the boat in the water before 5:15am
Judge the length between the eyes and snout. Translate inches to feet and stay at least that far away
(i.e, 100 times as far, not 12 times!)
Some of these nest were stacked so close on top of other nest that the young birds can not even stand. But at least they are protected from all the poop falling from above.
Fantastic photography and a heavenly trip. Minus the Alligator and snakes. lol. I would ask for 200 meters distance please.
Awesome shots Frank...what a great place to see, thanks for taking us on your trip!
