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Reddish Egret

© Fred J. Kane

Reddish Egret Egretta rufescens - Mel Moss who contributes to Midwest Outdoors Publication writes, "Lovers of wild birds formed the first Audubon Society chapters in the late 1800s to help keep the Reddish Egret and other birds from vanishing from the outdoor scene. The birds were being wiped out by plume hunters who sold feathers to the hat industry. As of this writing the birds are still in danger of extinction and is listed on the National Audubon Society's Watch list of imperiled birds."

The Reddish Egret inhabits areas throughout the Gulf States, West Indies & Mexico south to El Salvador. Also there is a white form of this egret. The Reddish Egret of Central America and Southern United States is a medium sized heron. The State of Florida designated the Reddish Egret's as a Species of Special Concern and Texas listed The Reddish Egret as a Threatened Species.

The Reddish Egret will live in seaside flooded areas in the mangrove swamps. Also the Red Egret will stay in the salt marshes, and lagoons in Florida. In Texas people see the Reddish Egret around cactus and willow trees. Birders observed the egret mainly in brackish lakes and salt marshes.

The Reddish Egret is a regular inhabitant that nests on the islands of Port Aransas Birding Area. Some of the islands where the Reddish Egret nest are Mustang Island, Harbor Island, Shamrock Island, Spoil islands in Aransas and Redfish Bays.

Also the Reddish Egret is still improving its population in Texas. The Florida population of Reddish Egrets are still affected by the excessive hunting for plumes in the earlier years.

Bird watching - One of the country's top bird watching sites is in Texas is at the Port Aransas Birding Center. Here birders, beside plant life may observe on the Great Texas Birding Trail. Many birds seen stay all year while other birds migrate to the area.

People become excited when visiting Port Aransas and the surrounding area where bird watchers see White Tailed Hawk, Grebes, Crested Caracara and Reddish Egret. Also you may observe Frigate birds, raptors, different ducks, geese and swans. The list is endless. Their many dazzling coloration and skill in the air will amaze you. When people visit Port Aransas they see the bright pink Spoonbills, brown pelicans, many varieties of herons and egrets. Other birders observed both color phases of the reddish egret.

At one time of year or another when visiting Port Aransas you may observe about 400 to 500 species of birds native to North America. In the spring time over 200 different species of birds visit Port Aransas on any given day. About 100 species of birds nest in the Port Aransas area in the summer time.

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