It’s That Time of Year

Earlier this weekend a great egret came gliding across the reeds, took a hard right turn, and landed in the salt marsh directly in front of me.

Once I spotted the bright green lores around it’s eyes I realized that this bird was in breeding condition. The egret will also likely develop long back plumes which may be fanned out during courtship.

Other egrets and herons may display breeding color and plumage as well. The snowy egrets get bright reddish orange lores, while the great blue heron has bright blue around it’s eyes and the tricolored heron’s entire bill may turn a bright royal blue.

Always interesting to see nature in action.

28 thoughts on “It’s That Time of Year”

Ricky Simpson on March 22, 2015 at 5:20 pm said:

Looking good Phil ! Got that 7D singing a nice melody again……as usual !

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- Phil Lanoue on March 22, 2015 at 5:28 pm said:
  
  Well you know it’s not the MK II, I have to go with what’s reliable. 😀 Thanks Ricky and good seeing you recently!
  
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Pat on March 22, 2015 at 5:41 pm said:

Beautiful!

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- Phil Lanoue on March 22, 2015 at 5:46 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much Pat!
  
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Charlie@Seattle Trekker on March 22, 2015 at 6:39 pm said:

A gorgeous action shot that really captures how spectacular the Great Egrets are..

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- Phil Lanoue on March 23, 2015 at 9:25 am said:
  
  I sometimes tend to overlook these birds, but they are quite pretty and worth keeping an eye on.
  
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Amy on March 22, 2015 at 8:54 pm said:

Spectacular, indeed! It’s not Markii ?

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- Phil Lanoue on March 23, 2015 at 9:24 am said:
  
  Thanks Amy! No it’s the old reliable five year old 7D. The new MK II has been into Canon twice now for warranty service due to inconsistent focusing issues. They still have it in fact. They keep insisting it works properly when I know it doesn’t and I’m nowhere near the only one with this problem. Canon has been nothing short of disgraceful handling this situation. Worst customer service of any company I have ever dealt with in my life.
  
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  - Amy on March 23, 2015 at 9:42 am said:
    
    Thank you for the information, Phil! Cannon are pushing Mark ii big time. Worst customer Service… that is disappointing.
    
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    - Phil Lanoue on March 23, 2015 at 12:34 pm said:
      
      It’s extremely disappointing. Their treatment of a life long Canon user is inexcusable.
      
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donna213 on March 22, 2015 at 9:38 pm said:

Nice banking on that bird. Air traffic would be very pleased. Nice photos as always, Phil.

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- Phil Lanoue on March 23, 2015 at 12:34 pm said:
  
  He really came in nicely on that turn didn’t he?!
  
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Gunta on March 22, 2015 at 11:28 pm said:

Learned something new again thanks to your post! Thanks for the info and the great images.

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- Phil Lanoue on March 23, 2015 at 12:35 pm said:
  
  I’m glad you enjoyed the post, thanks very much!
  
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Steve Gingold on March 23, 2015 at 4:48 am said:

Nice write up of the breeding appearance, Phil. This one seems quite a healthy specimen.

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- Phil Lanoue on March 23, 2015 at 12:36 pm said:
  
  He sure does look like he is getting on well. There seems to be a nice supply of fish coming in with each tide which I’m sure helps. 🙂
  
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Birder's Journey on March 23, 2015 at 8:07 am said:

Love this!! Coming right at you!

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- Phil Lanoue on March 23, 2015 at 12:37 pm said:
  
  This bird was a very skilled flyer for sure!
  
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Linda on March 23, 2015 at 12:26 pm said:

Great Shot!!! Thanks Phil 🙂

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- Phil Lanoue on March 23, 2015 at 12:38 pm said:
  
  Thanks for checking this out and glad you enjoyed the egret flight!
  
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foxleylady on March 23, 2015 at 12:26 pm said:

Is this the male, Phil? It usually seems to be the male bird which has the more spectacular colours and this is gorgeous!

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- Phil Lanoue on March 23, 2015 at 12:43 pm said:
  
  I honestly don’t know 100% for a fact if it’s a male because the sexes look identical in this species. I usually just refer to them all as a ‘he’ as a convenience term.
  On a related note our buddy Radar has vanished again. This time for longer then last when he came home for Christmas. No one has seen him in a good six weeks or so. He was in breeding condition last year but he stayed around. Not sure if he has a girlfriend stashed somewhere or what. Hope he comes back though. He is missed by many.
  
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  - foxleylady on March 23, 2015 at 7:43 pm said:
    
    Hope Radar returns, he is such a lovely character. Maybe he will bring a lady friend for your approval?
    
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Raewyn's Photos on March 23, 2015 at 3:10 pm said:

I just love the coming into land photo. Great photos as always.

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- Phil Lanoue on March 23, 2015 at 4:35 pm said:
  
  Thank you! I’m glad you like the egret, they are pretty birds.
  
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Bella Remy Photography on March 23, 2015 at 9:33 pm said:

Always fantastic Phil! You are a master at BiF

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- Phil Lanoue on March 25, 2015 at 4:34 pm said:
  
  I greatly appreciate that Em, thanks!
  
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The Lite Rider on March 26, 2015 at 2:08 pm said:

Love the lessons in coloring. Those eyes are striking. Beautiful bird.

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