Wednesday, June 19, 2013

E/Alphabe-Thursday

 Great egret (Ardea alba)
E is for EGRET

Hunted nearly to EXTINCTION more than a century ago, great egrets are now EXTENDING their territories so that a bird that once seemed EXOTIC here is becoming more and more common.

Dropping in for a landing

Great egrets hunt for food in both fresh and salt water. This one is fishing in Lake Ontario.

Wading in shallow water on the edge of Lake Ontario

Like other herons, the Great Egret  stands motionless as they hunt frogs, fish and other small aquatic animals.

I am linking to Jenny Matlock at Alphabe-Thursday HERE 

41 comments:

Andy said...

There's a Egret that has been making an appearance on Frenchman's Bay for the last couple of years.

MadSnapper said...

isn't' he just breathtaking? i love the first two, he is like a feathered ballet dancer.

Betty Manousos said...

brilliant photos!

he's soo beautiful!

hope your day is going well:))

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

That second shot is fantastic! I didn't know these birds were hunted.

Darla said...

Happy to hear these magnificent birds are making a comeback.

Darla

Buttons Thoughts said...

Great shots I have only seen one of these in my neck of the woods:) B

Taken For Granted said...

We have flocks of Egrets around here, and I'm impressed with your excellent photographs.

Judy said...

That second picture is so unusual. You had to be quick to get that wonderful shot.

RedPat said...

More wonderful EG bird shots!! ;-)

Indrani said...

Egrets pose very patiently for the camera. :)

Judy said...

I love that first image, with his reflection in the water below him!!!
This morning, I watched a great blue heron catch a large fish and swallow it, still flapping! I am just so glad that I do not have to swallow flapping fish whole...

Lisa Gordon said...

Magnificent bird, and such wonderful photographs!

TexWisGirl said...

love them!

Lowell said...

You have provided us with superb photos of this wonderful bird. We have lots of them here and I find them to be quite elegant. I especially like that first shot!

Malyss said...

I love your first pic! it reallly gives a feeling of lightness!

cieldequimper said...

You've caght magical moments with wonderful reflections!

Carver said...

Fantastic shots of the beautiful egrets.

Stephanie said...

Beautiful shots!

LONDONLULU said...

Magnificent animal - I did not even know they were close to extinction about a century ago. Beautiful bird and photos!

Millie said...

Beautiful! I'm so glad they are making a comeback.

Blogger won't let me use my Open ID on this type of comment setting. Strangely, if it is embedded, it will let me comment.

Teresa @ Eden Hills

Ruth Hiebert said...

Lovely pictures. I really like the flowing plumes.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful action photos ~ gem of nature ~ Happy Day to you ^_^

Michelle said...

Such a classic bird and elegant.

Randy said...

Nice reflection in the first shot.

Pat Tillett said...

I love watching them. There is a group that roosts in a tree very close to here. Very nice photos!

Anonymous said...

Wow - I never realized they had such beautiful markings on their feathers! Fabulous shots.

Cezar and Léia said...

Spectacular pictures, mainly that first one, it's a perfect shot, so gracious critter!
Hugs
Léia

Anonymous said...

Fantastic, the top photo is so graceful!

NatureFootstep said...

great shot of the egret and the reflection. The second shot looks a bit confusing with the sharp shadows. But at the same time it shows hot the feathers work. Made me think of todays aircraft desings. :)

Debra at HOMESPUN: http://www.thehomespun.com said...

Such a magnificent bird.

Ya know, the photographer is not too shabby herself :)

Pride In Photos Beauty said...

Egrets sure are a shy species...down nere in Florida...they don't want their picture taken and they move very far away from you.☺

Rocky Mountain Woman said...

Beautiful shots!

Nicki said...

I especially like that first shot - nicely done!

fredamans said...

Very beautiful, so graceful!

Lmkazmierczak said...

Ditto all the above♫ great captures... My letter E: http://lauriekazmierczak.com/ever-green-evergreen/

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

our MOA is extinct.

Susan Anderson said...

Wow. They have even longer necks than I thought!

=)

Eden House News and views said...

stunning picture

Betty said...

You've got some wonderful pictures of that bird!

Jenny said...

I truly regret
I've not seen an egret
up close and personal
but your lovely views
shared for the alphabet muse
almost make me feel better!

Hmmm...

Bad rhyme for an excellent link!

A+

Sandy said...

I have several families of Egrets
that live out in my back creek and
their so fun and the babies are
loud ... lovely photos
Sandy

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East Gwillimbury is a rural town less than an hour north of Toronto, Canada's largest city. My family calls me CameraGirl because I take my camera with me wherever I go.