Snowys… At It Again

You would think the main purpose of fishing in the salt marsh would be…fishing in the salt marsh. But oh no, not for the snowy egrets. As usual, 60% of the time they could spend hunting for food is instead spent fussing and squabbling with each other. It never fails, if there is more than one snowy egret in an area, a disagreement will break out. I think it’s in their official charter.

So once again… this afternoon there were about half a dozen of these high strung little agitators around and that meant almost non stop bickering. Of course that provides almost endless comical photographic possibilities for me, but somehow I don’t think they see it that way.

32 thoughts on “Snowys… At It Again”

Charlie@Seattle Trekker on March 17, 2015 at 7:26 pm said:

Nice to know that the inability to get along is not just a human thing.

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- Phil Lanoue on March 17, 2015 at 7:41 pm said:
  
  Exactly. Seems to be a concept that applies to just about everyone.
  
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Raewyn's Photos on March 17, 2015 at 8:50 pm said:

The one on the left looks like a graceful ballet dancer. Great shots.

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- Phil Lanoue on March 17, 2015 at 9:04 pm said:
  
  He was trying to remain graceful while getting away QUICKLY. 😮
  
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donna213 on March 17, 2015 at 9:08 pm said:

For such a delicate and pretty bird, they sure get a mean look when one gets aggressive.

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- Phil Lanoue on March 17, 2015 at 10:32 pm said:
  
  I always look for the biggest fluffer. That’s usually going to be the agitator and the one to keep an eye on.
  
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  - donna213 on March 17, 2015 at 10:36 pm said:
    
    I learned something. I will keep my eye on those that puff up next time.
    
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    - Phil Lanoue on March 18, 2015 at 1:18 pm said:
      
      When I first arrived there were 3 feeding together with one aggressive fluffer constantly chasing the other two and that’s what these pics were from. Then 3 more arrived with one of those also being an aggressive fluffed up guy So now we had 2 chasers and 4 being chased. These birds can be hysterical.
      
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Dina on March 18, 2015 at 4:54 am said:

Great captures that put a big smile on my face! 🙂

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- Phil Lanoue on March 18, 2015 at 1:20 pm said:
  
  I’m thrilled you got a smile from these wacky birds! 😀
  
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vedaeddy on March 18, 2015 at 9:37 am said:

too funny!

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- Phil Lanoue on March 18, 2015 at 1:20 pm said:
  
  They are quite comical!
  
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Patrizia M. on March 18, 2015 at 11:05 am said:

Divertentissime e splendide queste foto.
Ciao, Pat

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- Phil Lanoue on March 18, 2015 at 1:21 pm said:
  
  Grazie Pat! 😎
  
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Amy on March 18, 2015 at 11:35 am said:

Like human beings, except we probably do more often. Just kidding… 🙂

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- Phil Lanoue on March 18, 2015 at 1:22 pm said:
  
  No that’s pretty much the situation. 😀
  
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  - Amy on March 18, 2015 at 1:28 pm said:
    
    yeah 😀
    
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    - Phil Lanoue on March 18, 2015 at 5:56 pm said:
      
      It’s sort of like two minutes before Happy Hour ends at the local bar. Don’t get in anybody’s way when they are getting drinks prior to the price increase!
      
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foxleylady on March 18, 2015 at 1:26 pm said:

It seems such a lot of wasted effort, when he could be fishing!

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- Phil Lanoue on March 18, 2015 at 5:54 pm said:
  
  That’s what I always say. So much wasted energy. But what do I know?
  
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Cowboys and Crossbones on March 18, 2015 at 3:46 pm said:

These birds must live like teenage girls…how exhausting. But their behavior does provide you great situations for fabulous shots!

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- Phil Lanoue on March 18, 2015 at 5:52 pm said:
  
  That is the absolute best description of their behavior I have ever heard! Thank you! 🍸
  
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Sarah Longes - Mirador Design on March 18, 2015 at 4:09 pm said:

Ha ha! I can see just how much fun you have watching them 🙂

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- Phil Lanoue on March 18, 2015 at 5:52 pm said:
  
  They are entertaining for sure!
  
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Gunta on March 18, 2015 at 10:29 pm said:

Is it equal opportunity chasing, or is one sex more aggressive than the other? Or can you tell?

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- Phil Lanoue on March 18, 2015 at 10:49 pm said:
  
  Yeah I can’t tell from sex, the males and females of this species look identical. But there always seems to be one or two in the group that act as aggressors for whatever reason.
  
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Lyle Krahn on March 19, 2015 at 12:45 am said:

Looks like great fun. You really need to name them!

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- Phil Lanoue on March 19, 2015 at 9:49 am said:
  
  I always thought color coded vests would work nicely. We could easily tell them apart plus they would all look quite stylish.
  
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anotherday2paradise on March 19, 2015 at 4:05 pm said:

Hahaha. They are indeed very comical, Phil. Thanks for the laugh. 🙂

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- Phil Lanoue on March 20, 2015 at 7:38 am said:
  
  I actually stand out there laughing out loud when these guys are at it. I feel I should pay an admission charge to the comedy show but luckily they perform for free. 🙂
  
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  - anotherday2paradise on March 20, 2015 at 7:41 am said:
    
    Now I’m laughing at you laughing, Phil. Thanks for the mind’s eye picture. 🙂
    
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The Lite Rider on March 20, 2015 at 4:11 pm said:

I felt guilty for laughing at these guys! When obviously this drama is probably unsettling and causes them to be anxious! THey almost look like cartoons with their behavior. The fluffing and chasing is priceless!

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