Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Jefferson Island: The Cattle Egrets

Nest building appears to be an intimate exchange between these birds. The male makes a huge production with his offering as the female accepts the stick from him. I was simply in awe. Later I spotted a mating pair, which will need to be in a separate, rated X post. :)






The onlookers appear relieved that the exchange is over. Tee hee.
Sharing with Stewart's WILD BIRD WEDNESDAY Please visit the link for more birds around the world!

39 comments:

Merisi said...

Fabulous images, reminiscent of Audubon's "Birds of America" paintings!

Merisi said...

Fabulous images, reminiscent of Audubon's "Birds of America" paintings!

you-wee because said...

Compared to yesterday's ibises - very impressive birds. And they really have a talent to spread their feathers "decoratively"... ;-)

I wish you a perfect start into a new (US) day - we already have lunch break here in Germany! And one of my colleagues is currently in Kentucky! So if you'll meet him somewhere, tell him best regards from me... ;-)
Uwe.

Optimistic Existentialist said...

That's quite a courtship going on there!! Looks like they may be in love :)

Anvilcloud said...

I think you could work for National Geographic.

eileeninmd said...

The Cattle Egrets are one of my favorites! Great post and beautiful photos!

Elizabeth Edwards said...

those feather are amazing. they really are gorgeous creatures. ( :

happy week.

Hootin Anni said...

One word Gail.....extraordinary!!!!!

Roan said...

Amazing!

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...

gorgeous photos

i'ma just agonna have to send people here. Yep...definitely

Shug said...

Wouldn't you love to know the details of their conversations!!! With the feathers fanned out, one would only have to think that there was something serious going on here. Once again Gail....outstanding photos!
hugs....
shug

The Cranky said...

You really should send some of these shots to National Geographic Gail!
I think the onlookers are saying "I don't get it, what's the big deal about a stick?"

Irma said...

What a great photos of these cattle egrets, Gail.
Very well done, my compliments.
Greetings Irma

TexWisGirl said...

once again, in full breeding plumage, they are just stunning! great photos, gail!!!

Anonymous said...

They are splendid-looking birds. What a fantastic series of photos capturing this behavior.

Karen said...

Gorgeous captures of this romantic pair!

Unknown said...

I love nature and I love how you capture it! Fantastic as always Gail. Have a great day

FAB said...

A stunning series Gail of the pair bonding Egrets.

Must remember to keep an eye open for the X rated post!!

Wally Jones said...

Most of the time, we drive by hundreds of Cattle Egrets and almost don't even see them.

During breeding season, they grab our attention and you so magnificently show us why!

Very nice, Gail.

Amy Burzese said...

Loving your Jefferson Island series. Excellent!

Unknown said...

Awesome photos of these elegant birds.

Inspired By June said...

I'm still amazed that they can maneuver in the trees at all, let alone court, build nests and mate! Fabulous series, Gail!

Unknown said...

Grand series!! Boom, Bobbi and Gary.

Unknown said...

The birds are so adorable.

barbara l. hale said...

These photos are just fabulous! Thanks so much!!

Anonymous said...

Fascinating to watch birds, including parrots. I've had pairs of companion birds go at it hammer and tongs, so I've seen it all before. Nevertheless it probably is best left on the cutting room floor.

Debbie said...

awwww....love is in the air!! amazing captures gail, what a joy to witness this. they are just beautiful!!!

Brian King said...

Fantastic photos! I wish we had rookeries around here.

hootnonny said...

Awesome! Guess in egret world a stick is the diamond equivalent.

Deanna said...

Hmm, I don't ever remember getting that excited over a stick....but then I am not an egret either. Great shots!! Can hardly wait for that x rated post!! giggle

Michelle said...

These are some really beautiful stick exchanges!

Ruth Hiebert said...

Oh my goodness! It's almost as if they want to be careful not to mess up those beautiful plumes.Excellent post.

orchid0324 said...

OMG; Wonderful photographs of the Cattle Egrets pair; how they help each other in their environment♡♡♡ I really LOVE the way you said "an intimate exchange", Gail.

Sending you lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Fabulous to see these birds in their breeding plumage and wonderful captures of them at the nest.

nookworm said...

Who knew they could be so interesting in their courting habits. Well now we know and you have shown us with your fantastic shots! Thank you.

A Colorful World said...

Wow! Absolutely gorgeous birds and such drama! Nature can be so exciting...who needs movies! :-)

Unknown said...

Cattle egrets are such wonderful birds it is amazing how they have colonised most of the world.

Unknown said...

Gorgeous captures! I could watch these for hours.

Anonymous said...

They are actually quite lovely with their feathers all ruffled up.