Phil and I were finishing a hike at Fort Hill the other day when we saw something white in the tall grass among the yellow flowers. It looked like an Egret, but what was an Egret doing in the middle of a meadow? We usually see them on the salt marsh on near the shore. (Click on blog link for other photos.)
We clicked away and then went home and did some research. It was a Cattle Egret which we had only seen once before in a little overflow pond a few years ago here on the Cape. “Cattle Egrets stalk insects and other small animals on the ground in grassy fields. They are much less often seen in water than other herons.”
An interesting fact is how it got its name: “The Cattle Egret forages at the feet of grazing cattle, head bobbing with each step, or rides on their backs to pick at ticks.” Pretty cool, don’t you think?
It seems like we wait all winter for the Baltimore Orioles to come back in the spring. In April we start picking dates for them to arrive… and the winner gets a prize. It is so much fun! Last year they arrived on May 3rd and this year they arrived on May 2nd.
The Baltimore Oriole is such a beautiful, vibrant orange and black bird that we are so lucky to have in our yard… to watch them eat their beloved grape jelly and to listen to their distinct calls… and maybe raise a family?!
There were four beautiful Great Egrets on the edge of Nauset Marsh looking for food. It was interesting watching them as they stalked their prey and then made a dash for the fish.
Such a gorgeous bird, don’t you think? They look so regal as they stand in wait for their next meal to come along.
This Cooper’s Hawk has been hanging around our yard quite a bit lately. I haven’t seen him catch anything but he certainly does have patience. Gorgeous bird, don’t you think? (Click on blog link for full photo.)
Cape Cod daily articles on the wonderful Cape Cod places to hike, experience and photograph. A Cape Cod Outdoor Adventure Series.
