Unhappy Cattle Egret
by Carla Parris
Title
Unhappy Cattle Egret
Artist
Carla Parris
Medium
Photograph - Digital Photograph
Description
This cattle egret (also known as cow bird or cow crane) is not pure white like most.
I was told that this coloring (particularly the color of the beak) appears when the bird is unhappy or agitated, as this particular fella appears to be, judging by his expression. However, my research suggested that the buff color on the crown and breast, as well as the bright red orange of the beak, is breeding coloration; but this bird was photographed in early May, which is more the nesting period than breeding period.
Nesting was certainly in full swing, with birds finishing up nests, sitting on nests, and tending babies, when this cattle egret was photographed at the native rookery at St. Augustine Alligator Farm on the East coast of Florida.
This bird, a member of the heron family, was one of many perched in the trees in the rookery. He very obligingly posed in a perfect profile position, facilitating this portrait of his noble, statuesque posture. He looks quite regal for the common bird that he is.
Uploaded
July 23rd, 2021
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Viewed 145 Times - Last Visitor from White Plains, NY on 03/13/2024 at 9:18 PM
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Comments (6)
Kathi Isserman
CONGRATULATIONS your SPECTACULAR image has been FEATURED on the HOME PAGE of SHOWCASING THE SOUTH GROUP. Please add this to the discussion 2021 “FEATURED IMAGE ARCHIVE THREAD.” L Thank you for participating in the group.