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 

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41 comments:

  1. AndyJune 19, 2013 at 5:54 AM

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

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  2. MadSnapperJune 19, 2013 at 5:56 AM

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

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  3. Betty ManousosJune 19, 2013 at 6:14 AM

    brilliant photos!

    he's soo beautiful!

    hope your day is going well:))

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  4. Coloring Outside the LinesJune 19, 2013 at 7:23 AM

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

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  5. DarlaJune 19, 2013 at 7:50 AM

    Happy to hear these magnificent birds are making a comeback.

    Darla

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  6. Buttons ThoughtsJune 19, 2013 at 8:25 AM

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

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  7. Taken For GrantedJune 19, 2013 at 9:43 AM

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

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  8. JudyJune 19, 2013 at 10:52 AM

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

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  9. RedPatJune 19, 2013 at 12:17 PM

    More wonderful EG bird shots!! ;-)

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  10. IndraniJune 19, 2013 at 1:51 PM

    Egrets pose very patiently for the camera. :)

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  11. JudyJune 19, 2013 at 2:00 PM

    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...

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  12. Lisa GordonJune 19, 2013 at 2:10 PM

    Magnificent bird, and such wonderful photographs!

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  13. TexWisGirlJune 19, 2013 at 2:14 PM

    love them!

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  14. LowellJune 19, 2013 at 2:26 PM

    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!

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  15. MalyssJune 19, 2013 at 2:34 PM

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

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  16. cieldequimperJune 19, 2013 at 2:50 PM

    You've caght magical moments with wonderful reflections!

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  17. CarverJune 19, 2013 at 3:02 PM

    Fantastic shots of the beautiful egrets.

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  18. StephanieJune 19, 2013 at 5:25 PM

    Beautiful shots!

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  19. LONDONLULUJune 19, 2013 at 6:07 PM

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

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  20. MillieJune 19, 2013 at 6:12 PM

    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

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  21. Ruth HiebertJune 19, 2013 at 7:12 PM

    Lovely pictures. I really like the flowing plumes.

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  22. AnonymousJune 19, 2013 at 7:20 PM

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

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  23. MichelleJune 19, 2013 at 9:06 PM

    Such a classic bird and elegant.

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  24. RandyJune 19, 2013 at 11:22 PM

    Nice reflection in the first shot.

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  25. Pat TillettJune 19, 2013 at 11:55 PM

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

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  26. AnonymousJune 20, 2013 at 12:08 AM

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

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  27. Cezar and LéiaJune 20, 2013 at 2:20 AM

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

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  28. AnonymousJune 20, 2013 at 4:52 AM

    Fantastic, the top photo is so graceful!

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  29. NatureFootstepJune 20, 2013 at 5:50 AM

    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. :)

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  30. Debra at HOMESPUN: http://www.thehomespun.com June 20, 2013 at 9:10 AM

    Such a magnificent bird.

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

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  31. Pride In Photos BeautyJune 20, 2013 at 9:28 AM

    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.☺

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  32. Rocky Mountain WomanJune 20, 2013 at 10:37 AM

    Beautiful shots!

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  33. NickiJune 20, 2013 at 6:30 PM

    I especially like that first shot - nicely done!

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  34. fredamansJune 20, 2013 at 7:29 PM

    Very beautiful, so graceful!

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  35. LmkazmierczakJune 20, 2013 at 7:57 PM

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

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  36. Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪June 20, 2013 at 9:03 PM

    our MOA is extinct.

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  37. Susan AndersonJune 21, 2013 at 12:53 AM

    Wow. They have even longer necks than I thought!

    =)

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  38. Eden House News and viewsJune 21, 2013 at 11:20 AM

    stunning picture

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  39. BettyJune 21, 2013 at 12:11 PM

    You've got some wonderful pictures of that bird!

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  40. JennyJune 27, 2013 at 6:10 PM

    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+

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  41. SandyJune 28, 2013 at 11:34 AM

    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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