I made a couple of stops out at Echo Park in Burlington Wisconsin as some Great Egrets were being reported there at the dam. Nice numbers of 10-15 were present when I was there. I think numbers are down from a few days ago. These birds put on an amazing show while I was there! They all seemed to be fishing while I was present but only a few fish were actually caught. Some of the other things I enjoyed watching was the preening, some interaction when a fish was caught or sometimes just relaxing. It is a sight to see as these amazing birds will soon be heading south. Weather conditions were overcast skies for the most part with some wind and cool fall like temps. Images were taken on September 28-29, 2016.

All fluffed up!
Great Egret
Binomial name: Ardea alba
Category: Bittern, Herons, and Allies
Size: 39” long, 51” wing span
Weight: 1.9 lb

Hanging out

Moving around above the dam

Incoming

The landing

The stop

The catch!

Takes the catch away to avoid the other egrets trying to take it

Above the dam it takes the catch

The landing

The stop

Just coming through

From the top of the dam down

Just beauty

Fishing

A pair on top of the dam

Preening

Resting

More preening

More preening

Checking things out

The itch

Coming through

Another catch and to the top of the dam

Wondering where to go now

Just coming through gang!

Stretching

Fishing

Fishing

Fishing

More fishing

Moving around

The flight

Fishing

Fishing

Fishing

Another catch

Squeeze the fish

The close-up

To the top of the dam, less egrets to fight off for the catch

Believe it or not, it catches this fish and eats it

A little preening above the dam

Walking the dam

Walking the dam

Turns around, walks the other way

A little more preening

Resting

More preening

The landing

Scratching

And more fishing

Pose on the dam

Walking the dam

Great Egret with a Great Blue Heron

A fishing pair

Stalking the prey in the grass

Just being me

Moving to a new fishing place

Serious fishing

The catch!

The catch!
Incredible series Jim!
OMG Jim these are above and beyond. Thanks a trillion for these!!!! Cheers from Peggy in Madison
Amazing! Great series!
Thanks Jim. What an amazing collection. I could even hear the water fall!!!!!. Sometimes one doesn’t need a rare bird to enjoy the beauty of God’s creatures. Awesome. Thanks
So many delightful photos, Jim. It’s hard to pick a favorite but I do really like the ones at the top of the dam with the water moving over.
We were at Echo Park on Wednesday and enjoyed the action. Thanks to those who gave the “heads up” about the area. Never been there before. And thanks for the terrific photos Jim.