On the Hunt

(Reddish Egret)

This new favorite, the Reddish Egret, has become common in our Southern California estuaries over the last decade. Interestingly, the immatures are all white and easily, at least at a distance, confused with Snowy Egrets. However, their immature bills are all black and so are their feet, in contrast to the blazing yellow of the Snowy’s feet.

If you see one foraging for minnows and other water critters, there’s never any confusion. Reddish egrets are not silent stalkers as the Snowies often are. Rather, they rush through the water, waving their wings and splashing noisily. They then chase down whatever gets stirred up before devouring it. Comical to watch.

Their reddish head and neck plumage looks fuzzy or hairy from a distance. Either their feathers are very fine or my glasses need adjusting.