H.J. Ruiz – Avian101

That particular morning the sky was gray and semi dark, the grassy fields were exuding a milky white dense fog. I drove to the side of the water reservoir and parked my vehicle. I picked a safe spot for my base of operation, from that point I could hike a short distance to several interesting areas. Being early that morning, the sun was still low in the horizon, below the trees tops. The sky was gray but the sun had begun to shine through. The light effect was definitely not so convenient but added a certain accent to the milky fog of the morning. We must remember that the location is in Florida, as soon as the sun is up the warm tropical temperature also kicks in. I figured that the fog was going to dissipate and the sky would turn from gray to blue. It was exactly what happened I was proven right! The time passed and soon enough then I realized that we had a brilliant day outdoors.

Not very far from the reservoir, I walked until I found a medium size pond, I spent some time there saw some birds, shot some pictures and then I walked northbound to a large grazing field, I could see in the distance a few dozen cattle near the other end of the field,then some white spots moving near the bovines caught my eye. I moved closer and I zoomed my camera and realized they were a bunch of Cattle Egrets. Hey! I’m in luck! I thought. I got as close as I could and shot some pictures of them. For the first time I saw these species while they walk. They move their heads and necks forward, take the step and retract their necks again, as a piston would move in a cadence fashion. Very peculiar walk compared to other egrets I’ve seen.

Later I drove to another location where I found some more cattle egrets but this time wasn’t a field, it was in a swamp area.

Next, I have some photos for you. Enjoy!

Notice a Tricolored Heron in the foreground!!

Text and photographs © HJ Ruiz – Avian101