It’s fun to watch the Great Egrets (Ardea alba) at Huntley Meadows Park, the local marsh where I take most of my wildlife photos. Unlike the Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodias), who will remain motionless for a long time, the egrets like to move.
This egret’s moves in the initial two images somehow brought to mind the song “Walk Like an Egyptian” by the Bangles. In case you don’t recall that catchy tune or are too young to have heard it, here’s a link to a YouTube video of the song.
I was quite amazed at the variety of moves in the egret’s repertoire and the expressive way that it was able to use its neck, sometimes tucking it in and sometimes fully extending it. Here are a few more shots from the egret’s performance.
I think with a little more practice the egret will be ready for “Dancing With the Stars” or “So You Think You Can Dance.”
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved
Mike Powell 
They’re beautiful birds and you’re lucky to have them. I wish they’d come a little further north.
Those first two images made me smile and I see the connection to the song. We have quite a few of them this year, more than others years. Must have been good breeding last year. Your images are so clear and sharp. Like me, you must wait for them to feed. They are quick.
Were you showing it some dance moves too?
I thought of the song as soon as I saw the title – I guess I’m not too young!
Nice job of keeping the white in check — so easy to blow out in these birds. I like the neck waggle they do when they get in really close to their target.
This was one of the first times when I managed to remember to use spot metering and it made a huge difference. The background is a little dark, but the egrets ended up pretty much properly exposed.
Love the funny stances this egret takes – made me laugh!