Reddish Egret and the Dance of the Drunken Sailor

    The Reddish Egret is a medium to large heron who can be found in the salt water and brackish marshes around the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana and on the Gulf and Atlantic coasts of southern Florida. It is a stunningly beautiful bird who was nearly hunted to extinction for its feathers in the 1800's.


    Anyone who has ever had the pleasure of watching a Reddish Egret fish shallow waters, has witnessed a bizarre but highly effective tactic sometimes referred to as "the dance of the drunken sailor". The egret staggers and darts through the water to confuse the fish. Then, the egret raises his wings to form a canopy which casts a shadow onto the water and reduces glare. When the bait fish swim into the shaded area, the egret strikes.


   These photos were shot at Fort Desoto State Park in Tierra Verde Florida. I hope that someday you will have the pleasure of seeing this dance for yourself.


Additional photos of Reddish Egrets can be seen at : http://jerichohillsphotography.com/herons

Drunken Sailor Dance

Drunken Sailor Dance

Drunken Sailor Dance

Canopy Hunting

Canopy Hunting

Strike !!

Success !!