Cattle Egret, St. Augustine Alligator Farm wild bird rookery, St A, Florida

For most of the year, the Cattle Egret is the stumpy, chunky, shambling, recently immigrated, relative of our native Great and Snowy Egrets…not much to look at, and still on probation as a US citizen as far as birders are concerned. But for a few short weeks in spring, during nesting season, I think the Cattle Egret is the most beautiful of our resident egrets. The orangey-brown crown features and stripe down the back, as well as the bright orange bill, set of the white plumage to a turn.

This male was guarding the nest while his mate when out to feed. St. Augustine Alligator Farm wild bird rookery. Nikon P900 at 880mm equivalent field of view. Processed in Lightroom.