This Great Egret still has his breeding colors, and feathers. Here you can see the ‘Green Lore’.
The lore is the area at the end on their bill and surrounding their eyes. During breeding season a Great Egret has a bright green coloring there.
Below the green lore is also clear, along with the mating (bridal) feathers. Interesting that during mating season these bridal feather displays are used not only for attracting a mate.
The Egret below is posturing to intimidate the young Great Blue Herons. This was during a territorial attack. There were 2 chicks here, and they were old enough to protect themselves from the Egret.
Thank you for the explanation. I have never seen a great egret with green lores until last Friday. Thought I had a rarity.
Every year we watch to see the green start to appear. A sure sign the long bridal feathers will be soon.