Spring Storms and White Ibises

  Before the stormy weather set in for the long haul, I headed to the pier.  This was a few days ago and the clouds were already threatening.  The rains did catch me off-guard later in the morning but while on the pier, the dark, heavy clouds just felt ominous.  Another thing that caught me by surprise was a whole flock of White Ibises flying overhead.  Even though the sky was still quite dark, I was able to identify the birds by their black wingtips and their long, curved bills.  It is not a usual thing for me to see so many ibises in a single flock.  I counted over fifty of the birds!

  Ibises are actually considered to be a fisherman's friend.  They feed on crustaceans like crabs, fiddler crabs and crawfish (crayfish for those of you not from down here). Those critters feed a good bit on fish eggs.  By eating the crustaceans, the birds are actually making it so more of the fish eggs hatch and survive.  All fishermen should love seeing these birds in their areas!  Personally, I just love seeing them.  

  As I am writing this, thunder is grumbling out over the Gulf so our short respite is about to come to an end.  The storms shall rumble through again tonight.  Spring is definitely here.

Wearing the Finest!

  After working all day yesterday, Son and I were picking up our tools when, suddenly, I saw a flock of birds!  Son always tells me that I have a very short attention span and that I am easily amused so it was no small wonder that I had to hustle down to the pier to investigate.  I figured that these had to be egrets since they were white but I had never seen so many flock together!  Easing my way down the board path, I was careful not to flush the birds from their spot.  I wanted to get past the groundsel bushes so a clear photograph could be taken.  I needn't have fretted.  This flock of thirty or so birds (half on the pier, half in the marsh) was not going anywhere!  They were intent on resting a bit.  I was able to get within about forty feet from the flock.  There, I sat in awe.  The birds were gorgeous!  Their gleaming white feathers were offset by pinkish gold crowns, chest and back feathers!  Oh, my!

  When I saw the colors, it was immediately evident that these were visitors to the Bayou.  Once a year, flocks of Cattle Egrets fly in just to let me admire their breeding plumage! (At least, I figure that is why they come!...Oh, yeah. Son says I have a very vivid imagination, too, but we won't go there, now will we?)  There were twenty-nine Cattle Egrets and one Snowy Egret in this flock.  Wait! What?  Why was that Snowy in there??  

  The birds allowed me to visit without worry.  Then, suddenly, half of them hopped down into the marsh and started searching for fiddler crabs or insects (I could not decide which).  As I watched the last few hopped one by one to join the others.  They made no effort to go any further than just off the pier and did not seem to mind that I shifted positions occasionally to swipe away mosquitoes and gnats.  

  The flock of Cattle Egrets stayed overnight on the pier then headed off into the back of the Bayou.  I suppose the stormy weather urged them on their way as it was not long before the pier was underwater and the winds were pounding the Bayou.  I am thankful for the time I got to spend watching the birds and viewing their incredible beauty.  If I ever again hear anyone say "Oh, those are JUST Cattle Egrets.", I will likely whip out the photos and prove to them that the birds are stunningly beautiful.  I am glad they graced the Bayou with their presence even though it was a short-lived visit.  See you next year, Pretty Birds!  I look forward to seeing you dressed in your Easter finery!