The Greening of the Great Egret
As mentioned in my previous post, I had to save an image of one Great Egret for its own space. At the beginning of this year’s breeding season I was able to catch a lovely model, sporting a shocking green lore — the area between the bill and the eyes. During the breeding season, the lore may turn a vibrant green; the Great Egret will also display long, elegant plumes on its back (evident in the second picture, slightly blocked by the swamp vegetation), which are used in courtship displays. Like a peacock, the feathery plumes will spread out like a fan. Outside the breeding season, these long feathers disappear.
Great Egrets are striking to spy in the swamp — their ethereal beauty, graceful stalking, and quiet strength is captivating. But the brilliant green lore and feathery plumes add yet more stunning display to an already magical scene.
Great Egret with Green Lore in the Florida Wetlands (Close-Up)
Great Egret with Green Lore in the Florida Wetlands
FeyGirl
Serenity Spell 
Great photos,, and catch of the egret at its breeding height. I’ve never seen lores quite this green.
Thanks so much! The lores’ intensity at this time is truly amazing; perhaps the greens vary among the regions (hmmm)? It’s spectacular to see in the swamps…
Thank you. Amazing green. Amazing creatures!
You’re so welcome, I’m glad I could share a glimpse of this amazing animal! Nature’s truly stunning with its brilliant coloring… Otherworldly.
i like the green spot between its eyes and mouth 🙂
Isn’t it unreal? So vibrant against their white feathers…
Wow! Had no idea there was such a creature. Very cool!!
They’re amazing…. And in our area, with our wetland environments, thankfully plentiful. I’m not exaggerating when I say they’re an unreal sight in the swamps; so beautiful, even after all these years.
Thanks. I learned something today
🙂 You’re welcome! Believe me, every day I’m out there it seems I’m learning something…
Reblogged this on Greenophilic.
Subscribed to your site, looks wonderful! 🙂
🙂
Good explanation and great pictures = o)
Thanks so very much!! 🙂 I’m lucky to have such a lovely canvas…
Wow – these shots are amazing!
Thanks so much! I was just lucky to be in that spot…at that time, though. How can you not get a great shot of such a brilliant creature, with that coloring? 🙂
I have never seen such a sight, such beautiful green! 🙂
Isn’t it amazing? To me, it’s totally unreal… So ethereal, especially with their shocking white plumage, and against the swamp background. Such a brilliant green; gotta love nature’s colors!! 🙂
Indeed….. Shame male Homo sapiens don’t make the same effort 😉
HAHAHAH!!! We think along the same lines…. I’ve said exactly those words as I’ve been out and about, spying all the pretty boy birds and critters. So funny.
Just look at the peacock….. That’s making an effort 😀
This is so beautiful!! I have always wanted to buy myself a nice camera and go on an outdoor expedition (e.g. camping, hiking, wandering in fields, etc.) just to get an authentic outlook on the natural world. Personally, I find this post very inspiring. I think the macro-style shots really contribute to the inspiration. I hope you keep publishing posts like these. Cheers!
Thanks so very much! I’m definitely more of the “hiker-with-a-camera” variety… My poor Canon gets a beating on some of our hikes (especially in the Everglades!). But it’s worth it. 🙂 I’m yearning for a macro lens now (this actually was taken with a normal telephoto), to get those crisper details. We’ll see, we’ll see…. Thanks again for the follow and the kind words!
Beautiful pictures, I wish I was the one who took them. 😉
Thanks so much — I definitely don’t take it for granted, this access to such unique wildlife and flora!!
Beautiful! 🙂
Thanks! They’re striking in contrast to the swamps to begin with… Absolutely gorgeous birds. Add that green? I’m just happy I was there. 🙂
Beautiful photos! Thanks for sharing this wonderful post.
Thanks so very much! I was very lucky to have been witness to an already striking creature at that time…. 🙂
Wow, that is an amazing green. Your photos are fabulous – clear and high definition. I love the eye on this bird, it is very expressive. 🙂
Thanks so much! I was very lucky to snag this image, as he was far in the wetlands… It was breeding time, and this brilliant green only appears then. Nature is simply magical…!
I didn’t know about the green lore. Fantastic photos and interesting post.
Thanks so much! I was thrilled to nab this guy — he was far off in the wetlands, and all I saw was a flash of that brilliant green. Nature provides truly brilliant colors, especially during courtship…
I love in Australia and saw something that looks exactly like that bird
I know there are egrets in Australia, I’m just unsure of the differences of species therein… But the great egrets may very well be there! Very similar environment. 🙂
Is it only the male that gets the green.
It’s my understanding that both sexes actually get the green lores, interestingly…