A Reddish Respite From Birding Burn-Out
This is the time where things slow down a bit for birders. The rush and excitement of spring migration has subsided. Birders take time to rest up for the soon-to-be fall migration which can begin as early as July and last through November. There is a such a thing as Birding Burn-out.
But birds are still on the move a bit. Now is the time to look for dispersing waders from our south and east. Large herons and egrets (often conspicuously white) move into our area to feed in small shallow ponds. There are two white waders most seen, and a couple that are much less common. Expect great egrets and immature little blue herons but take time to confirm they are not a lesser seen species like snowy egret and cattle egret. If you are not sure, snap a pic and send to me at piephofft@aol.com
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| Reddish Egret |
| Photo by Martina Nordstrand |
Occasionally a large wader will pass through and cause quite a stir in the local birding community. One of those occurred June 12 when an immature reddish egret appeared at McAlpine Creek Park. This species is almost exclusively a birdof mud flats and brackish marshes on the immediate coast. They regularly occur in North Carolina along the coast but are rare at best. They are a Florida and Gulf coast bird.
So how did one appear in Mecklenburg County, providing not only the first county record but the first inland record for the entire state of North Carolina? No one can say for sure but speculation is that TS Cristobal carried the bird from the gulf coast into the Ohio Valley. Then northerly winds (remember the cold air we experienced that week) guided it back south. It caused quite a stir for local birders, who rushed out right away to get a look at this local ultra-rarity.
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| Reddish Egret |
| Photo by Martina Nordstrand |
Unlike most of our area waders that stand still quietly watching for prey, reddish egrets take a proactive approach to feeding. They run and trot through shallow water raising and spreading their wings in what looks like an inebriated dance. Startled small fish and shrimp come to the surface to escape the mud the egret has stirred up. The shadow created by the egret's wings cuts down on the bright glare from the water, making the egret's prey easy pickin's. Watch the dance here:
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| Reddish Egret Feeding Dance |