Cattle Egret
Sasman has be trying to get the best of this Cattle Egret for months. I think this photo is one of his best shot of the bird. Now the swamp is gone to make way for some housing development.
Taken with a Pentax K100D and Tamron AF 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di LD Macro lens
Some findings on the Cattle Egret
The Cattle Egret is a stocky species, averaging 51 cm long and weighing 200-600 g, with a short thick bill. The non-breeding adult has all-white plumage, a yellow bill, and greyish-yellow legs. When breeding, orange buff plumes develop on the back, breast and crown, and the legs become orange pink. The sexes are similar, but juvenile birds have a black bill. This bird will give soft kre calls in flight, and a gruff rick-reck on the ground.
The Cattle Egret is often found in dry grassy habitats, unlike most herons which are associated with shallow water. It feeds on insects, especially grasshoppers, and is usually found with cattle and other large animals which disturb small creatures which the egrets then catch. This species will sometimes ride on the backs of these animals.
Labels: Animal, Pentax K100D, Photography, Tamron AF 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di LD Macro
