Friday, January 29, 2010

Avalon 8





Farther along, another snowy egret—a male or a female, I'm not sure, they are not as forthcoming as cardinals.

Sleek. Statuesque. Vigilant. Something in the distance has caught its attention.

At this time of the year, it's probably not looking at a potential mate. The area of the upper bill, in front of the eyes, is yellow indicating it’s non-breeding season. When it’s time to mate the facial patch turns red—perhaps blushing by what's on its mind—and it'll grow long shaggy nuptial plumes, like baby's breath or snow or Gandalf's beard.

- Photo taken near Stone Harbor in October.

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