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Great White Egret
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
The Great Egret Ardea alba, also known as the Great White Egret, White Heron, or Common Egret, is a wading egret, found in most of the tropical and warmer temperate parts of the world, although it is very local in southern Europe and Asia. It is called Kōtuku in New Zealand. It is sometimes confused with the Great White Heron in Florida, which is a white morph of the Great Blue Heron.
The Great Egret is a large bird with all white plumage that can reach 101 cm in height and weigh up to 950 g. It is only slightly smaller than the Great Blue or Grey Herons. Apart from size, the Great Egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet. It also has a slow flight, with its neck retracted. This is characteristic of herons and bitterns, and distinguishes them from storks, cranes and spoonbills, which extend their necks.
The Great Egret feeds in shallow water or drier habitats, spearing fish, frogs or insects with its long, sharp bill. It will often wait motionless for prey, or slowly stalk its victim. It is a common species, usually easily seen.
The Great Egret is partially migratory, with northern hemisphere birds moving south from areas with cold winters. It breeds in colonies in trees close to large lakes with reed beds or other extensive wetlands. It builds a bulky stick nest. The call at breeding colonies is a loud croaking "cuk cuk cuk".
Although generally a very successful species with a large and expanding range, the Great Egret is highly endangered in New Zealand, with only one breeding site at Okarito Lagoon. In North America, large numbers of Great Egrets were killed around the end of the 19th century so that their plumes could be used to decorate hats. Numbers have since recovered as a result of conservation measures. Its range has expanded as far north as southern Canada. However, in some parts of the southern United States, its numbers have declined due to habitat loss. This bird has been chosen as the symbol of the National Audubon Society, which was formed in part to prevent the killing of birds for their feathers. |
mariki, Ena, bobcat08 has marked this note useful
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- mariki
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1060 W: 61 N: 2306]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(9467) - [2008-01-27 9:45]
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Hello Ernie,
A great shot! Very nice composition with this wave behind the egret. Very good sharpness of the egret and the foreground. Beautiful colours.
Well done,
Cheers,
Mariki
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- cako
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 545 W: 0 N: 735]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-g.gif)
(3213) - [2008-01-27 10:00]
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Hi Ernie
This is a great shot
Very good composition with this wave behind the great egret.
I love picture
well done
Hi Ernie,
What a clarity. Amazing shot from this White Heron with on the BG a big rolling wave and blue sea. Very nice compo. Good POV and BG. Sharpness is good. Interesting notes. Thanks for that. Greetings and TFS BOB
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- Ena
(2458)
- [2008-01-28 15:51]
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Hi Ernie,
Stunning shot! Love the wave in the BG.
Colors are beautiful. Sharpness is good!
REgards
Ena
![Silver Note Writer [C: 1 W: 2 N: 55]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/n-n-s.gif){kind=small}
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 379 W: 19 N: 361]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-s-g.gif)
(1431)