Common egret
Common egrets are are quintessential wetland birds with long necks and legs, white plumage, and during breeding season, long flimy plumes along the back. These California birds were photographed at Bolsa Chica wetlands in coastal Orange County, near Escondido, and Palo Alto. Like many birds, they often look their best in early dawn light. The picture at bottom right of an egret under attack by an angry American Avocet -- and in a very inelegant pose -- was taken at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area near Riverside, CA.
Pictures of common egrets at rest can be seen on this page.
Images copyright by Mark A. Chappell
