While out birding I heard some talk of a Western Cattle Egret near Big Bend. I took a drive out there and it was present. It hung around with a couple of cattle eating ticks or flies off the legs of these animals. It seems to be right at home in the little farm yard there. The cattle wanted nothing to do with this bird and on a few occasions they swung their heads at the egret. This is a 1st year bird, it either hatched here or wandered north to Wisconsin after the breeding season. It was a pleasant morning with temps around 65 degrees with good winds with a warm day ahead. Nice for this time of year but a change of weather is coming. This bird was previously named a Cattle Egret, recently it has been changed to Western Cattle Egret. Images were taken on October 30, 2024.
The Western Cattle Egret…
Here just hanging around and looking for ticks or flies…did not sit still much…
Picking a tick or fly off the back of the cattle’s leg…
Waiting for something to eat…an insect…
Blurry photo but catching something here to eat…looks like a stink bug..:)
Beautiful photos
I saw it too! Sadly, no place to park safely. Your photos are better than mine.
First year bird. Either hatched here or wandered north to Wisconsin after the breeding season.
The cattle should be grateful of the egret but apparently do not understand due to domestication.
You got some great shots!! Wasn’t he ever a ham? LOL!!! I enjoyed so much watching him . Thank you so much for your kindness in letting me know where I could see him. Your awesome.
Beautiful and interesting Jim!