Great egrets appear on local ponds each summer and are beautiful to watch as they move about choosing places to both fish and to roost. Photographing them keeps me sharp for the winter arrival of snowy owls.
Both species have predominantly white feathers that require careful attention to the camera’s histogram so as not to overexpose the detail in those feathers when the sun lights them up.
Evenings spent with a solitary female egret have been most enjoyable. Occasionally, she has been joined by a large male that flies in and seems to follow her around. I think he knows that she knows where the best fishing spots are. Coincidently, a shaded spot near where I set up my gear seems filled with goldfish – an invasive species. It might take an hour or more but eventually she finds her way here.
She was alone on Friday night and came within ten metres to snatch goldfish every thirty seconds or so. She gulps them down whole.
This is an especially busy period for me with lots of writing assignments plus preparation for three upcoming photo presentations. But I find a couple of hours, most days, to visit this egret.
To my astonishment on Saturday there were seven egrets on this pond when I arrived. Another photographer had already set up and smiled with delight at the scene before us. We kept quiet and still. Sudden movements or even standing up can spook them easily.
The egrets came fairly close, thirty metres or so, as they fished for minnows. There was a lot of movement as they wandered about sometimes getting in each other’s way. A large male grunted often and chased the smaller birds out of his path.
There was lots of movement as the birds jockeyed for position.
This pond is a popular spot as people come to feed the ducks. On this day the egrets were spooked by the comings and goings of people and so they would fly to the other side of the pond until it was safe to return.
And they did – one at a time – which afforded lots of opportunities for head-on flight shots. Unfortunately, it was hard to keep track of which great egret was which. Only when my favourite would venture into her usual places near my vantage point could I identify her.
One of seven great egrets flying in to the best fishing spot.
The egrets eat minnows and other small fish in abundance. I have also captured images of my favourite with a huge bullfrog tadpole which had to be the size of my hand. She kept dropping it and finally, after several attempts to stab it with her beak, gave up.
This egret swallowed a minnow along with a salad. Must eat vegetables!
There is a dam at the edge of the pond and after my favourite egret ventured near for the best fishing she was joined by four others. But, when a man walked over there to get a picture up close they stopped feeding and took off for the other side of the pond. Within fifteen minutes they all returned.
Egrets continued to fly back and forth across the pond.
These egrets will be here for another month or so before migrating south to warmer climes. I have received so much enjoyment from watching them, particularly the one female who has become bold enough to come within ten metres. On those occasions she is too close for pictures with my 500mm lens so I might capture video with my phone or simply sit there and admire her.
I haven’t been over to Hespeler Mill Pond, my normal site for photographing great egrets, since June. And I have heard of great egret sightings at several other local ponds. I am content to watch this one egret – and occasionally her friends – as they make their living.
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Great pics and story as usual Paul. Thanks for sending.
Glad you enjoyed them, Scott. I am delighted to share!
Thanks Paul for another great blog about the BEAUTIFUL EGRETS and your great photos. With story.
My husband and I were at Southdide Park , Woodstock last week and there was 1 Egret. Fishing along the edge of the pond, I always carry a pair of my binoculars in our vehicle it was so beautiful.
Looking forward to your prevention coming up in Ayr.
Awesome! They are wonderful to observe, eh? And good idea with the binoculars. You never know when they will come in handy! Cheers!
What beautiful images Paul. I glad that your patient eyes had also noticed the unusual number of egrets that I saw above the Jedburgh dam when driving by a few days ago.
Yes, I had generally been seeing just the one. Then, one evening there were four. But to see seven was spectacular. Just home now from another visit…..exactly ZERO egrets tonight! Nature doesn’t always cooperate!
Always a treat to read your tale and admire your pics. Cheers.
Thanks Brad! I appreciate your support!
Great stuff, Paul. I believe the egrets have adopted you? LOL!
Thanks Hamlin! I’ve enjoyed my time observing the one female and am pleased her friends joined her. Having said that, I returned Monday to find not a single egret on that pond! Sigh,…..just as things were getting really interesting! LOL!
Awesome pictures and commentary. I learn a lot from your devotion to these birds.
Thanks Barclay! Nice to hear from you. Are you getting ready for another hockey season?