Reddish Egret

We first observed the reddish egret in California where it is rare. The reason we are posting so many pictures is because we have become quite the fans of this entertaining bird. Unlike the careful, calculated stalking technique of the other herons and egrets, the reddish egret will run, hop, spread its wings and basically look very silly while it's fishing. We also love the crazy wiry hairstyle (known to more serious birders as plumage.)

We really like the reddish egret

 

 

 

 

 

Here, he's demonstrating his fishing technique.

Mottled Duck at Ding Darling

 

Pied-billed Grebes at Sanibel

 

 

Pied-billed Grebes are the smallest and cutest of the seabirds

A quick trip to Sanibel Island

We made a long weekend trip to Sanibel Island on the gulf coast of Florida, just outside of Ft. Myers. Sanibel is known for sea shells. It also has J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, a great spot for birding. The lower photo shows a united nation of birds: An adult and a juvenile Roseate Spoonbill, a tricolored heron, a snowy egret, and some ibises.

Juvenile White Ibis

Chris spotted an unusual bird at Ding Darling. When we got closer, we noticed it had a bill like an ibis. Later, we found out that the juvenile white ibis has brown markings.

Roseate Spoonbills at Ding Darling

We really like Roseate Spoonbills. Their color is spectacular and they look a little goofy with the spoon shaped bill. The lighter colored spoonbill is a juvenile.