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Egretta thula
A small, active white heron, the Snowy Egret is found in small ponds as well as along the ocean shore. Its black legs and yellow feet quickly identify it. It has a dark bill. Like the Great Egret, they can’t recognize each other at the nest. The mate approaching the nest must do an elaborate greeting ceremony, first by raising the plumbs on its head, and then bowing to the sitting bird. Once the identity is confirmed, the nesting bird leaves the nest for its mate to take over.
Lake Martin Bird Sanctuary is located in southwest Louisiana near Breaux Bridge. This is a large rookery.
Once mated, the male gathers the material for the nest while the female builds the nest. The nest is a shallow platform of sticks, usually low in a tree, or on the ground in the grasses of a marsh. Snowy Egrets nest in colonies and are very social on their nesting grounds. The female lays 3-4 eggs and both adults incubate the eggs for 18-20 days.
8 Comments
Thanks Tom. This one was really putting on a show for its mate. :)
Thanks again Jemma. There were so many it was hard to focus and remember who I had already photographed. Great fun :)
Great pictures of the egret in full breeding plumage!
great going gators!You have an impressive collection!
Thanks Jemma :)
lovely!
My pleasure. The rookery was extraordinary :)
great capture Gatorfelows,perfect spotting,congrats and thanks for sharing