February 23, 2023

I am known as a Cattle Egret

But not in all places in the world

I'm also called Elephant Bird and Rhinocerous Egret

Based on the grazing animal with which I'm observed.

Location: Goodwin Wildlife Management Area, Broadmoor Unit, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Cattle_Egret/overview

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 11, 2022

I am known as a Bos taurus

But you know me better as a common cow

In Florida you'll find me with my Cattle Egret friends

On sunny days, standing by in my shadow.

Location: Forever Florida, Keenansville

Sources: https://www.fdacs.gov/content/download/17161/file/P-00044.pdf

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 10, 2022

We are a group of Cattle Egrets

Living together in a rookery

We will build a nest, mate, and lay eggs

Then patiently guide our chicks to maturity.

Location: Forever Florida, Keenansville, Florida

Sources: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Bubulcus_ibis/

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 4, 2021

I am a Cattle Egret

I'm in the same order as storks

I use my beak to catch insects disturbed by grazing cows

It's easier than using a fork.

Location: Fellsmere Grade Road, Headwaters Boat Ramp

Sources: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Bubulcus_ibis/

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

March 26, 2020

Location: Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area, Fellsmere

We are a Snowy, Cattle and Little Blue 
Sitting on the shore taking in sun
If we find a 4th guy, we might form a band:
Cattle, Blue, Snowy and Young

Sources: Teach Your Children

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

January 25, 2019

Location: Fellsmere, T.M. Goodwin WMA

I am a Cattle Egret
I'm not breeding so I'm white with no orange
Oh no, now I have to think of a rhyme for that.
Till then I'll put this poem in storage.

Sources: Audubon guide to North American Birds - Cattle Egret

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

January 23, 2019

Location: Fellmere, T.M. Goodwin WMA

I am a Cattle Egret
On an island with a few of my friends.
Including a Roseate Spoonbill
And some Anhingas on the left end.

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 27, 2018

Location: Okeechobee, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

I am a Cattle Egret
I feed in fields and follow plows.
I feast heartily on insects that are disturbed
By machinery, fires or cows.

Sources: Cornell Lab - Cattle Egret Life History

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

March 4, 2018

Location: Fellsmere, Goodwin Wildlife Management Area

Twas a tale of star crossed lovers
And a warning they wouldn’t heed
That resulted in this abomination -
A Spoonbill-Cattle Egret cross breed.

(Ok, I admit I'm torn - I strive to keep this blog entertaining but scientifically accurate. But occassionally I come home with a photo and I just have to go with the cheap joke :-)

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

February 21, 2018

Location: Spray Fields, Palm Coast

Snowy Egrets have black beaks and legs,
And yellow feet that don't match.
Cattle Egrets have a yellow beak,
On their head and wings is an orange patch.

Bonapart's Gulls are the odd man out
They don't look al all like an egret
But they all can hang out and be good friends
And make for an interesting vignette.

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

February 7, 2018

Location: Fellsmere, St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Cattle Egret is what I'm called,
Don't confuse me with a Snowy Egret.
My beak is orange, not black,
And my shoes and sox match,
And I have a stockier silhouette.

Sources: Cornell Lab - Cattle Egret

Photo and text © 2017 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 20, 2017

Location: Fellsmere, St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

We are known as Cattle Egrets,
But not because we "moo"
It's because hanging out in pastures
Is what we like to do.

Photo and text © 2017 Dee Fairbanks Simpson