Reddish Egret

Description:

A medium to large heron of shallow salt water, the Reddish Egret comes in a dark and a white form. Dark phase all dark gray with a reddish neck. It is a very active forager, often seen running, jumping, and spinning in its pursuit of fish. They are restricted to salt water habitats.

Habitat:

The area had several small ponds with dunes near the coastal beach. These small ponds were near the destroyed boardwalk, but a new boardwalk was under construction. They are in this area during migration and winter. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), there are only 1,500 to 2,000 nesting pairs of Reddish Egrets in the United States - and most of these are in Texas. They are classified as "threatened" in Texas and receive special protection.

Notes:

Sea Rim State Park is a 4,141-acre (1,676 ha) state park in southeast Texas. The park is located on the Gulf of Mexico in southern Jefferson County, south of Port Arthur and just west of Sabine Pass. The park was closed for several years due to extensive damage from Hurricanes Rita (2005) and Ike (2008). The park has recently re-opened but currently has very limited resources. Texas Parks and Wildlife was provided $2 million for the recovery of Sea Rim by the 81st Legislature.