Dean M. Chriss
Photography
Fishing Dance, Immature Reddish Egret

Fishing Dance, Immature Reddish Egret

(Click image to enlarge)

The Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens) is a small heron. It is resident in Central America, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, the Gulf Coast of the United States, and Mexico. There are about 1,500 nesting pairs of Reddish Egrets in the United States.

The Reddish Egret is one of the most active herons. To catch fish it often runs in erratic zig-zag patterns in shallow water. To better see its target, the reddish egret uses its wings to reduce glare on the water when it is about to strike. The result is a fascinating "fishing dance".