Reddish Egret

Have you ever spotted a Reddish Egret? If so, you’ll understand why it’s one of my top bird picks. It’s the rarest egret in North America, and I find it incredibly entertaining to watch. These birds are acrobats, jumping, hopping, twisting, and turning in all directions while they hunt for food. They come in three different colors: dark, white, and pied (5 if you include leucistic  & juvenile plumage ((see images below)).

Reddish Egrets are truly one of my all-time favorite birds. They were almost hunted to extinction in the USA before the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. They’re also known by other names like Muffle-jawed Egrets, Peale’s Egrets, and Plume Birds.

Ready to embark on your own Reddish Egret adventure? Just fill out the contact form on the right.

Reddish Egret Dark Form by Meg Rousher ©

Reddish Egret White Form by Meg Rousher ©

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reddish Egret Pied Form by Meg Rousher ©

 

Reddish Egret (Leucistic) by Meg Rousher ©

Reddish Egret (Juvenile) by Meg Rousher ©

Burrowing Owl count 2024

We had the exciting experience of participating in the Burrowing Owl count in Cape Coral, Florida. Volunteers scoured every burrow they could find in a designated area and recorded important details like the owls’ age, eye color, habitat type, and the number of owls in each burrow. When we reached our first burrow of the day, we were a bit worried when we saw some of the owls on the ground motionless (see first photo). But guess what? They were just taking a nap! (see second photo)

Burrowing Owl Photo by Meg Rousher ©

In total, we counted an impressive 82 owls in our section of Cape Coral. That’s almost double the number we had in the 2018 survey. It’s no wonder they moved north with all the new construction in the south Cape.
 They’re also known as “Billy Owls,” “Ground Owls,” “Howdy Owls,” and “Prairie Owls.” A group of owls is called a “bazaar” or “stopping” or “wisdom of owls.”

Burrowing Owl Photo by Meg Rousher ©

 Use the contact form on the  right to start your Burrowing  Owl adventure.

American Alligators are Everywhere

If you see water in Florida, there’s a good chance an alligator is lurking nearby. In winter, they’re easy to spot, basking in the sun. Check out this Video I took as I passed by a gator enjoying the warmth. But in other months, you might just catch a glimpse of their curious eyes watching you from the depths. Use the contact form on the right to start your American Alligator adventure.

American Alligator by Meg Rousher ©