Groups of wading birds seem to float in the warm air as their streamlined forms are bathed in the light of the setting sun. They keep their long necks tucked and shear the wind with their sharp bills. Soon they will settle in the marshy pondscape of Stratton Island, where they form rookeries throughout the
The linear flight formations of migratory birds are called echelons. V and the J patterns are very recognizable, though other variations also occur. Birds fly in formation for two basic reasons. One is that the following birds conserve energy by taking advantage of the “upwash” created by the wings of the birds in front, allowing
This delicately formed heron is distinguishable by its black legs and bright yellow feet. Reliant on coastal wetlands particularly in the eastern and southern U.S., Snowy Egrets face a grave situation as their numbers have suffered in recent years with loss of habitat. Of the 127 million acres of wetlands existing in the United States
Sunset on Stratton Island, Maine. This group of snowy egrets silently glides back to the pond in the center of the island where they pause before finding shelter for the evening in the old apple orchard which serves as a wading bird colony throughout the summer. Photo Courtesy of Janine Parziale
