The Great Egret and Snowy Egret shown below were feeding in the marsh, stabbing the water, and jumping and turning around on a dime. They were very successful and got a fish at every attempt.
In this last photo, it was amazing to see the Snowy Egret twisting itself while looking for fish.
Julie@frogpondfarm said:
Such a stunning bird .. beautiful images!
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Julie! Egrets are probably some of the most graceful birds.
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bluebrightly said:
This is a very interesting study, showing how much the egret contorts its body in order to get food.
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neihtn2012 said:
They do expend a lot of energy to feed themselves, but maybe all birds do.
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bluebrightly said:
We have Black-headed grosbeaks that summer here – kind of like the Rose-breasted grosbeaks in the east. They will sit in the feeder most of the day, just turning those seeds in their beaks, peeling the shells off, and eating the nut. It’s funny to see – they seem positively contemplative. But I’m sure there are times when they expend plenty of energy, especially during migration. I hope they’re OK – they left in the weeks before all the fires and smoke came.
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lolaWi said:
beautiful captures! đŸ™‚
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you!
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Mohammad Mahloujian, Stockholm Sweden said:
Beatutiful and excellent shots, not only one but a complete series of beautiful photos
Thanks for sharing
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you so much Mohammad! Glad you like these photos!
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Sue Slaght said:
Wonderful captures of the action! It makes me feel as though I am right there watching with you. How precise the bird has to be with that narrow long beak. Amazing!
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neihtn2012 said:
Thanks Sue! Once in a while, they catch a really big fish, then it is a sight to behold.
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photobyjohnbo said:
Nice collection of photos! That last photo looks like a wet rag being twisted. Cool.
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neihtn2012 said:
You are right about that last egret looking like a wet rag being twisted! Thank you John!
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Emma Cownie said:
I love the shot of the egret turning his head, to get a better look?
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neihtn2012 said:
They all do that when they are about to swallow a fish. I think it may be to reposition the fish and guide in into their throat.
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de Wets Wild said:
Amazing sequence, Hien, and I am sure many an angler would turn green with envy at the success rate of these herons!
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neihtn2012 said:
I know what you mean, Dries. Once in a while I try to fish but never catch anything, unlike these egrets.
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blondie63 said:
Gorgeous photos! Beautiful birds! So elegant and white! Hugz sweetie
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Blondie!
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littlepiecesofme1 said:
These are stunning.
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you! Glad you like them!
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Eliza Waters said:
It looks like ballet! Great series, Hien.
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neihtn2012 said:
It did look like ballet. I took these photos around morning feeding time, and the egrets were hungry and scurried about in every direction. The rising tide was also bringing in a lot of fish from the ocean.
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Jet Eliot said:
Truly fantastic series, Hien. I have seen thousands of egrets, but never have I seen one as twisted up as in your last photo. Great captures, lots of action, sparkling water, and beautiful light on those gorgeous white wings.
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you very much Jet!
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Aletta - nowathome said:
Your photos are awesome Hien!
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Aletta!
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milfordstreet said:
Nice captures. I made some images of an egret the week before last but he evewntually disliked thje attention and flew off. It’s a lot of fun to watch them hunt for a bit of food.
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neihtn2012 said:
Try to find a rookery and then you’ll be able to photograph them with impunity!
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milfordstreet said:
Thank you for the tip.
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loisajay said:
Hien–I have been thinking about you and channeling your talent! I have two hummingbirds that come to the shrubs in the front of my house every day! I have cleaned the window and sit inside ready to snap their photo. They are so fast, all I get is a blur! Frustrating.
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neihtn2012 said:
You’ll get the hang of it soon. Sometimes, I have to sit or stand in the same place for an hour, and then they don’t show up. As soon as pack up my gear and go inside the house, the hummingbirds reappear.
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