Galveston, TX
January 22, 2018
Monday was marsh day at West Bay. I love the wading birds and at the top of the list to see were a Roseate Spoonbill and a Reddish Egret. Here is a sampling of our sightings.
I couldn't believe it when I spotted a Reddish Egret and a Great Egret in a small pond when we first arrived.
Reddish Egrets are permanent residents on the island. These long-legged, long-necked waders are either dark or white for life beginning with the downy stage in the nest.
Another full-time resident is the Tricolored Heron. These slender birds prefer to feed alone in shallow waters. Standing like a statue they patiently wait for small fish, insects and crustaceans to come their way.
The Great Blue Heron is the largest of the North American herons. It's always a treat to see these large, grumpy looking birds. They can be found in saltwater and freshwater habitats and foraging in grasslands.
The elegant Great Egret is slightly smaller and more svelte (more slender...I had to look that word up.) than the Great Blue Heron. These birds sparked conservation movements and some of the first laws to protect birds. It seems they were nearly hunted to extinction for their plumes in the late 1800s. 
It was so much fun riding along with high hopes at what we might find around every turn. We did walk a lot too...through the muddy reeds and grasses. 
It's very special to visit these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
West Bay is wonderful...a delightful way to spend a few hours. As you probably guessed, we didn't see a Roseate Spoonbill on Monday, but we are not done yet !
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| Looking across the bay to the mainland. |
Until next time...
HAPPY TRAILS !
