REDDISH EGRETS
A few years ago, in DeSoto Park near Tampa, I met a woman carrying a camera with a huge lens. She told me she was in search of the Reddish Egret and proceeded to amuse me with a tale of the dance of the Reddish Egret. I was enchanted. Though I didn’t see one that day, I was on the lookout ever after.
I hit pay dirt in Ding Darling and have been hooked since. Jim and I laugh about the time he asked two birders (who promptly snubbed him) if they knew about the Red Heron. Heavens, man, get the name right!!
All joking aside, watching the Reddish Egret do his fish dance is a sight to see. Never mind that he's endowed with a mane of feathers that rise up when he's excited, his face takes on many expressions too!
With wings spread, he makes a run and whirls in joy when he’s caught a fish. The outstretched wings create a shadow on the water which, in turn, attract fish seeking shelter.
In repose, he looks very much like a hunched old man with shaggy dog hair, quietly hanging out with his buddies, the Roseates and others.