Sunday, 22 April 2012
There’s a lot going on in the rookery. Everyone has chicks except for the Cattle Egrets. Some of the Cattle Egrets have eggs while some aren’t quite there yet but they nest further from the boardwalk so it may be difficult to tell when our first chicks arrive. The Tri-colored Herons seemed to nest all at the same time with most of the chicks hatching within a short window. They are very well mannered; the adults make no more than a beak clap and I’ve only heard the chicks make a quiet, raspy call. Many of the Snowy Egrets have chicks as well. Some are already venturing out on branches. An interesting observation: there is a surprising amount of variation in beak and leg color (yellow to black) both between and even within the nests. The Great Egrets are doing well. Many chicks are almost as big as the adults but we do have some late nesters that are on eggs! Sibling rivalry is apparent in some nests. The Anhinga’s and Wood Storks have all hatched from what I can tell. The Anhinga’s chicks are a fluffy, smooth tan and white color, very elegant looking. I even saw one with its wings open to the sun just like the adults. The Wood Stork chicks are white balls of feathers and when they’re hungry, all the neighbors know it. Lastly, there are a few Little Blue Herons nests but they are well hidden and hard to find. Happy Birding!
Adam
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