Photography of Birds – Set # 208 | H.J. Ruiz

Photography of Birds – Set # 208

Set # 208

Reddish Egret

The Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens) is a medium-sized heron. It is a resident breeder in Central America, The Bahamas, the Caribbean, the Gulf Coast of the United States, and Mexico. There is post-breeding dispersal to well north of the nesting range. In the past, this bird was a victim of the plume trade.

According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, there are only 1,500 to 2,000 nesting pairs of reddish egrets in the United States — and most of these are in Texas. They are classified as “threatened” in Texas and receive special protection.

Great Egret

Like all egrets, it is a member of the heron family, Ardeidae. Traditionally classified with the storks in the Ciconiiformes, the Ardeidae are closer relatives of pelicans and belong in the Pelecaniformes, instead. The great egret—unlike the typical egrets—does not belong to the genus Egretta, but together with the great herons is today placed in Ardea. In the past, however, it was sometimes placed in Egretta or separated in a monotypic genus Casmerodius. The Old World population is often referred to as the “great white egret”. This species is sometimes confused with the great white heron of the Caribbean, which is a white morph of the closely related great blue heron. The scientific name comes from Latin ardea, “heron”, and alba, “white”.

Tags: birding, birds, Great Egret, Interesting information, PHOTO SETS, photography, photos of birds, Reddish Egret

12 thoughts on “Photography of Birds – Set # 208”

Jane's Heartsong on December 28, 2020 at 1:45 pm said:

The Reddish Egret just glows! I am sure the White Egret does too, against its surroundings. Both are lovely.

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- H.J. for avian101 on December 28, 2020 at 3:55 pm said:
  
  They both are lovely birds. Thank you, Jane. 🙂
  
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Steve Schwartzman on December 28, 2020 at 4:18 pm said:

I’ve not seen a reddish egret, which isn’t surprising, given the low numbers you quoted. The white, however, are common along the shores of ponds and creeks in central Texas, where I often find them. However, they’re good at quickly moving to the opposite side, where they’re out of photographic range.

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- H.J. for avian101 on December 28, 2020 at 9:31 pm said:
  
  When photographing any wading birds, you have to use certain degree of discretion, not just walk in front of the bird. It’s better to walk in direction to a near bush or tree and inconspicuously shoot the camera. The best solution is to have a strong zoom lens! Thanks Steve for sharing. 🙂
  
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tootlepedal on December 28, 2020 at 5:26 pm said:

Beautiful images of beautiful birds.

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- H.J. for avian101 on December 28, 2020 at 9:32 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much, Tom. 🙂
  
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Leya on December 28, 2020 at 5:33 pm said:

So beautiful – I have never seen the reddish egret before!

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- H.J. for avian101 on December 28, 2020 at 9:34 pm said:
  
  You would love it! Thank you very much, Leya. 🙂
  
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bayphotosbydonna on December 28, 2020 at 8:03 pm said:

Both shots are beautiful, HJ! Very nice!! 🤗

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- H.J. for avian101 on December 28, 2020 at 9:42 pm said:
  
  Thank you, Donna. 🙂
  
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sv-anui.com on December 30, 2020 at 4:34 pm said:

These two egrets are really beautiful, HJ. The Reddish Egret is so unusual and precious given its threatened status.

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- H.J. for avian101 on December 30, 2020 at 4:48 pm said:
  
  You are entirely right, Chris. We must take care of them! Happy New Year! 🙂
  
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