The Great Egrets are in different stages of reproducing around the rookery, from fancy courting to feeding chicks.

This set of three nests arranged like stepped condos always has something going on.

A little later on the male took a loop around the tree on his way for more sticks for his mate. The Great Egrets regularly rob each others’ nests of sticks and some fall out so it is an ongoing job. The adult at the nest likes to have something to poke around, too.

Further down the pond a pair of Great Egret chicks were getting a meal. This nest is away from the trail and harder to see but it sure looks like the chicks don’t have much holding them in.

Ardea alba.