REDDISH EGRET GALLERY
(Egretta rufescens)

eBird offers the following description of the Reddish Egret:  An entertaining heron to watch as it sprints, jumps, and spins around in shallow water with wings held up as it forages for fish. Dark morph is more common than white morph. White morphs are similar to other egrets, but note behavior and grayish legs and feet. Always look for pinkish lores and base of bill, which can become shockingly bright in breeding season. Found near the coast, especially shallow saltmarshes and mudflats. Larger than Little Blue Heron. Note rusty tones on head of dark morph, lacking in adult Little Blue Heron. White morphs separated from immature Little Blue Heron by larger bill with pinkish base.

On the early evening of May 21, 2020, I had the pleasure of watching a Reddish Blue Egret frolicking in the surf at Bolivar Flats.  It was a joy to watch!

Reddish Egret at Bolivar Flats, May 21, 2020.
This Reddish Egret barely stood still as I watched him at Bolivar Flats. May 21, 2020.
This Reddish Egret was having fun! May 21, 2020 at Bolivar Flats.

In June of 2020 I took a little birdwatching trip to the Rio Grande Valley and South Padre Island to celebrate Father’s Day.  Right as I passed over the causeway to the island, I spotted a Reddish Egret in a small tidal basin, so I stopped and took this picture. 

Reddish Egret, near the causeway on South Padre Island, Texas, June 22, 2020.