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Don's (not so) Weekly Photo

I do not always have a post to write, but I want to share my photos - so I started this weekly photo page.

​Just one photo each week. The photo may be new or it may come from my pile of favorites. A different photo will be posted every week. Drop by and check it out.

Weekly has become a bit more erratic, hence the new – more accurate  name.

In the Spring a Young Egret's Fancy...

4/8/2017

3 Comments

 
In the Spring a fuller crimson comes upon the robin's breast;
In the Spring the wanton lapwing gets himself another crest;
In the Spring a livelier iris changes on the burnish'd dove;

In the Spring a young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love.
​From Locksley Hall by Alfred Tennyson
Apologies to Alfred Tennyson. But for young man or for young egret, spring is indeed the time. This magnificent Great Egret is in full display and looking for love at a rookery on High Island north of Galveston. The photo was taken in 2015.

The egret you see here is in all his glorious breeding regalia with lots of long, wispy plumes being shown in a peacock-like display. The long plumes are called aigrettes and occur only when breeding. Also notice the bright lime green coloring at the base of his bill, in an area known as the lores. This green coloring will also go away when breeding time has passed.

Because the aigrettes were so highly prized for ladies' hats in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, about 95% of Great Egrets and Snowy Egrets were killed and the birds almost became extinct. The Migratory Bird Act of 1913 put an end to the 
carnage.
Picture
3 Comments
Debbie Roberts
4/8/2017 10:57:11 pm

I spot egrets often, but never one in such glory. Thank you for sharing.

Reply
Va
4/12/2017 03:25:10 pm

Fascinating, you are a trove of knowledge about your beloved birds. Another lovely picture, thanks for revealing nature in all it's wonderful array.

Reply
Jeri
4/14/2017 08:58:09 am

Now that's cool. And interesting!

Reply



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TRAVELS WITH LINDA
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DON & LINDA SIMMONS