Let's celebrate the beauty of the
Snowy Egret...
Snowy Egrets are native to North, Central, and South America.
We see them year-round in the Sacramento Valley.
They are social birds and often forage in groups.
During the breeding season, adult Snowy Egrets develop long, wispy feathers on their backs, necks, and heads.
In the late 1800s, populations were decimated due to the popularity of their plumes in fashion. Thanks to the work of concerned citizens in the 20th century, reforms were passed and protections were put in place. Populations have since recovered.
They eat mostly aquatic animals, including fish, worms, crayfish, frogs, insects, and crustaceans.
While feeding, they stir up prey with their feet.
Sometimes they stay perfectly still and wait for prey to swim by.
Snowy Egrets can be found in wetlands and tidal marshes, as well as ponds and mud flats.
And sometimes showing off their acrobatic talents on rural backroads...
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They nest in colonies, called rookeries, often with other herons and egrets.
Snowy egrets are monogamous, meaning both males and females have only one partner.
They can live up to 17 years. The oldest recorded one lived to be 22 years and 10 months old.
I am grateful for all of the beautiful Snowy Egrets that have posed for my camera lens...
Do you have Snowy Egrets in your area?
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