Critters at Beacon's Reach
The Egret
Among the largest and most beautiful birds, egrets are easily found along the shoreline of the sound, usually feeding in shallow water. The all-white bodies of these birds makes them easy to pick out from a distance while they are nestled in the lush green backdrops of the wetlands. |
Great Egret behind Westport IV Photo © 2004 Bruce Carbrey |
Though similar, there are actually two species present in significant numbers: the Snowy Egret and the Great Egret. The Snowy Egret has yellow feet and a black beak. The Great Egret has a yellow beak, and is larger than the Snowy Egret. Both varieties were nearly extinct at one point in the late nineteenth century as a result of hunting, since the feathers were considered stylish in ladies' hats. Thanks to conservation efforts, the egret population has been restored to reasonable levels and is not considered endagered.
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Egret taking flight from tree Photo © 2004 Bruce Carbrey |
Egrets eat crabs, small fish, shrimp and some insects, while standing in shallow water. They nest in trees, preferring heavily-wooded areas to provide safety. Egrets are shy birds; if you approach one quietly by kayak, he may let you within fifty feet before taking flight, with squawks of protest at being disturbed. Seeing one of these birds, with a wingspan of three feet or more, take flight at close range is a thrill for anyone.
Sources: Nature Guide to the Carolina Coast, by Peter Meyer, and Seacoast Life , by Judith M. Spitsbergen.
