I’m sure this Eastern Cattle Egret believes it looks resplendent but I can’t help smiling.
1/2000, f/6.3, ISO 400
Canon 5DSR, Canon 200-400mm L IS USM EXT
Yesterday I recorded another new species (number 132) for my property, it was a lone Eastern Cattle Egret, which is unusual as they are usually seen in small groups or large flocks. It wasn’t the egret pictured above, but a plain white version, with a yellow bill, yellow iris, dark legs, no plumes and a small dusting of orange on its head.
The Eastern Cattle Egret above is in its breeding plumage, wearing rich orange plumes and including the vivid reds that are only maintained for a week during the ‘courtship flush’. Their legs, irises and much of their bills are red during this brief period, and their lores are a rich purple. I was at the wetlands at Healesville Sanctuary, in February, when I saw this bird strutting around, looking like a mediaeval courtier.
The photograph is quite dramatic with the bird standing out against the dark shadows of the background. I like the way the light was falling on the bird and on the ripples as it waded through the shallow water.
Happy birding from home, Kim
~ Facebook page Kim Wormald – lirralirra
~ Facebook group Ethical Bird Photography
Beauty in the eyes of the beholder right . ???
So true Dona, and a very good thing too!
Great catching that specific colour which is not relayed in the F.G.
You must be excited to have seen so many birds on your property.
I wish they were all still here Togram. Many stopped visiting when houses were built on the other side of the creek, especially the raptors. Since then many of the insectivorous birds have gone, along with the moths and flies and many other bugs. It’d be great if they come back. I do still have lots here though, and two newbies so recently is exciting.
Beautiful Kim, what a character
Definitely a character, great word choice!
This young man will definitely set lots of young ladies’ hearts aflutter and yes he definitely makes you smile.
At a time when so many of us are locked away, these beautiful images keep you connected and feeling alive.
Thanks Kim
That’s a lovely comment Barbara, thank you kindly. There’s a chance it’s a female, I should compare drawings of the breeding plumes to work it out. I’ll do that when I get the chance.
I am with the Cattle Egret. I DO think he looks resplendent.
Fine feathers for a fine bird.
He, or possibly she, is certainly very colourful! I’m trying to think ‘resplendent’ more than comical but it’s not easy for me
A very dramatic photo! I think he looks very handsome 🙂
It could be a she! It depends on the length of the breeding plumes (among other things), I should see if I can check that…
Hi Kim. I look forward to opening each and every lirralirra post. This is a spectacular photo of a spectacular bird.
That’s lovely to know, Harry, thank you. It’s an amazing looking specimen isn’t it, so colourful.