Irrigation day in the pasture:
Interesting facts about cattle egrets from whatbird.com:
- It has been estimated that Cattle Egrets are able to gather 50% more food and use only two-thirds as much energy when they feed in association with livestock as opposed to feeding alone.
- The Cattle Egret did not exist outside of Africa until the late 19th century. They likely flew from Africa to South America and since have extended their range through Florida and then further north and west.
- They have been observed along side the runways of airports waiting for airplanes to pass and blow insects out of the grass. They also follow farm equipment to catch insects that are disturbed.
- A group of cattle egrets are collectively known as a “stampede” of egrets.
June 13, 2012 at 5:10 am
Looks like the community pool on free admission day! You should irrigate more often! They are beautiful~ 🙂
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June 13, 2012 at 7:12 am
Beautiful little birds.
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June 13, 2012 at 7:28 am
A stampede, huh? We used to see the egrets in the fields near horses and cows. It was almost like they were companion animals.
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June 13, 2012 at 7:48 am
I had no idea you actually flooded the pasture. How often do you irrigate? I’m just curious about how you manage that pasture. Could be worth a post. 😉
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June 13, 2012 at 7:45 pm
Flartus,
We’re still trying to figure out how to manage our pasture too. 😀 We generally irrigate every ten days to two weeks… about as often as we’re permitted. Good idea about a post, thanks! 🙂
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June 13, 2012 at 8:45 am
Your own little stampede of egrets enjoying bath day.
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June 13, 2012 at 9:47 am
It´s always surprising how fast animals react on a new situation. Beautiful birds (thanks for the interesting facts), they suit your pasture. But what is the boys opinion to their new partners?
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June 13, 2012 at 7:46 pm
Pia,
The Boyz and Gracie don’t mind the egrets at all. 🙂
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June 13, 2012 at 9:52 am
thanks for the education! I love to learn interesting things about animals, and that certainly fit the bill!!!
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June 13, 2012 at 10:27 am
I love it when you give me more info to store in my olde noggin.
So tell me, what is that black bird called in your photo…..we have a disagreement at my house about the name of them. You my dear could clear up the matter. Oma Linda
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June 13, 2012 at 11:06 am
Oma Linda,
I’m going with great-tailed grackle, affectionately referred to here as machine gun birds. 🙂
http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/537/_/Great-tailed_Grackle.aspx
https://morningbrayfarm.com/2010/04/04/sunday-cinema-machine-gun-birds/
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June 13, 2012 at 5:08 pm
Cool facts! I guess if I were to get run over by something, a stampede of egrets would be my choice over buffalo or horses.
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June 13, 2012 at 5:37 pm
A stampede of egrets. Hunh. That’s funny, since I never ever have actually seen an egret in motion.
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June 16, 2012 at 9:08 am
Cattle Egret are very beautiful! Thanks for the interesting information about them.
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June 30, 2012 at 8:10 am
What cool birds. The bottom picture on the the post shows the birds legs and the unique way the bird legs bend. Amazing!
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