The Great Egret is one of the more common birds in the Everglades ecosystem. Because of its ubiquity it can tend towards being overlooked. With only about a week left in the season I decided to turn my lens towards it as I had towards its flashier cousins like the roseate spoonbill. It was the very beginning of nesting season so they are beginning to show breeding plumage, build nests and joust for territory. I began to realize how much beauty there was in what once seemed common. I see a metaphor.
I watched them fighting over territory and announcing loudly their arrival, and perhaps displeasure to other species.
It’s the beginning of nesting season and I was thrilled to catch a glimpse of the process. 
And they were very enjoyable to watch in various stages of flight. I also noticed details such as the green top of the beak towards the eyes, something I’d overlooked before. 
Watchful, like sentinels, they are utterly beautiful. 
nomadruss in words and photos 
Fantastic!
Thanks!
I see them all the time and never tire of looking at them, they are my favorite, second to the pelican.
They are certainly regal, aren’t they?
Wonderful pictures! They look so wild…Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for stopping by Nadia!
What a treat to see these photos. In my part of Canada we’re happy to see a few egrets a summer and a spoonbill only in or dreams!
Thanks Belinda, we’re truly fortunate for all we get to see in the Everglades!
“Their flashier cousin, the roseate spoonbill” ?? Are you getting all nerdy or ornithologist on us, Nomad? Cool pics, though…
>
Haha. Shut up. I’m almost a nerder now.
Beautiful shots, Russ. That last one looks like even birds enjoy the gorgeous gulf sunset. 🙂
You know, sometimes I think they really do…
Stunning images, especially in the latter stages of the sun going down giving them that golden glow.
Do they always face the sun as it goes down or is that just coincidence they are (mostly) facing the same way in the last image?
I think it was something unusual to have them all facing the same way like that, but it’s that time of day when they’re settling in for the evening just like we do.
Pingback: Roseate spoonbill flock, video | Dear Kitty. Some blog
Pingback: LIttle owl, egrets, red-legged partridge in Spain | Dear Kitty. Some blog
Pingback: Egrets on St. Pete Beach | Bird Feed
Pingback: Roseate Spoonbills in The Everglades | Bird Feed