Amidst the nesting activity at the Cypress Wetlands rookery I spotted two Cattle Egret, including this one that was looking for a quiet spot.
Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal, SC
March 31, 2026
Cattle Egret
Tag Archives: Cattle Egret
Cattle Egret at Rookery
There were a few Cattle Egret working nests in the interior of the rookery area. This was the only one I saw in full.
He had places to go…
…first a flying loop over the pond…
…and back in front of me…
…before landing in another tree.
Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal, SC
April 10, 2025
Cattle Egret at the Lagoon
A Cattle Egret was patrolling the edge of the lagoon edged by Bio Lab Road.
He was about as surprised to see me as I was him.
Another peek and he was off.
Bio Lab Road, Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, Florida
December 31, 2023
Cattle Egrets Working On Nest
A number of Cattle Egrets were nesting around the rookery, including this one that was working on some finishing touches.
Another seemed all settled in on the next palm tree.
Last, one that was taking a break from his hard work, giving me a nice view of his breeding colors.
St. Augustine Alligator Farm, FL
April 13, 2022
Cattle Egret Flyby
A small flock of Cattle Egrets sporting their breeding colors zoomed by me.
Despite my thoughts this would be a good place for them to land they kept right on going.
April 10, 2022
Cattle Egret, Breeding Colors
A Cattle Egret was showing off his breeding colors and very snazzy legs. Non-breeding adults and juveniles are all white.
Cattle Egret in Breeding Plumage
I frequently see Cattle Egrets in my local travels at some small farms with cattle, horses and goats. This is the first time I’ve seen one up close at any of the swamp / marsh areas in South Carolina.
Slightly smaller than a Little Blue Heron, I wasn’t surprised when he disappeared from my sight in the tall vegetation. After poking around a bit he stuck his head up for a look.
He moved to some shorter vegetation along the edge of the pond and I was able to get to a better angle.
Finally he stood fully upright showing off his golden head, neck and chest feathers.
Everyone Face Left!
Well, almost everyone.
As I was maneuvering to a spot where I could view the wading bird feeding frenzy I spotted this small group of egrets off to the side. They seemed focused on something to my right; the big group was further back and to my left. The weren’t interested in joining in with the others. Perhaps they’d had their fill.
When the larger groups from the huge flock took off it was pretty noisy, mostly from the wing beats. During one of those lift offs this group decided it was time to move on.
