Western Cattle Egret at Big Bend in Waukesha County Wisconsin on October 30, 2024

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..:)

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About admin

Window to Wildlife features the photography of Jim Edlhuber. A lifelong native of Wisconsin, Jim has been photographing wildlife for 20 years. He considers himself an avid photographer and is always trying to capture nature and wildlife through his lens. He is in several photography clubs and has won numerous awards for his work. In recent years, Jim has focused mostly on birding photography and finds it to be the most challenging.

5 Responses to Western Cattle Egret at Big Bend in Waukesha County Wisconsin on October 30, 2024

  1. Dennis Kuecherer says:

    Beautiful photos

  2. Joy banyas says:

    I saw it too! Sadly, no place to park safely. Your photos are better than mine.

  3. Thomas Erdman says:

    First year bird. Either hatched here or wandered north to Wisconsin after the breeding season.

  4. Gerald Haiar says:

    The cattle should be grateful of the egret but apparently do not understand due to domestication.

  5. Kym George says:

    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.

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