He could have chosen a better time of day and place for his performance, however the dance routine was spectacular. This article contains a large number of images since I wanted to capture the routine from start to finish. There are specific steps to this dance and this series follows as close as possible.
Overall the dance moves are to spread their ‘bridal feathers’ for display, then stretch up and down in a rhythm showing their full body. With luck it catches the attention of a new mate.
Below is the first step in ‘the dance’.
Click any image to view full size. The images below are in sequential order as the dance progressed.
I previous years I have been able to photograph several birds in different routines, picking the best for publication. This year due to the Coronavirus I’m afraid this is it. Despite the Pine Tree the dance is always special and interesting.
This is so wonderful that you were able to photograph a dancing Great Egret! I am so impressed by elegance and beauty of this bird. Ted, these are very unique and incredibly beautiful images! Thank you for sharing them!
Thank you very much.
I am with Kaya. These are unique and incredibly beautiful images! Well done Ted! I don’t have all fancy icons for ‘applause’ via my desktop … but I applause you here and now … very well done! One of these deserve to be on the cover of a wildlife magazine, at least.
Wow, thanks so much. Dancing Egrets have been the cover of most all outdoor magazines for years 🙂 None of us can resist them. I hope to find a few more in the coming days, safe spaces of course.
It must be quite an experience to watch these beautiful birds performing their bridal dance. And yes, he could at least have moved some steps more to the left. Nevertheless, you captured this perfect!
Thank you… head on is the best. Last year I had several just about dance on my lens. Alas… it will not be this year. Thank you again.
Really lovely! I hope it impressed a potential mate. 😊
There was competition. At times several a dancing at the same time.
There was one who must have been a pro. Turns out Great Herons are not monogamists LOL
This is such a great series! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks. I usually get a few of these each breeding season, maybe more to come.
Yes… Special..
Regards Thom
This is the most beautiful set of photos and the pine tree enhances the scene. First thing I noticed was the green around they eye and then the green of the pine needles. Just beautiful shots. Well done.
Thank you very much. They will lose that green color around the eyes after mating season. This is the first year they have used the pine trees in this swamp.
So elegant! Truly a beautiful series, Ted ❤
Thank you. Nothing like it.
Great sequence, Ted. I am always happy when I happen to spot an egret in breeding plumage. The dance sequence just blows me away in its beauty and elegance. It must be spectacular to see in person.
It truly is. In the nearby rookery there can be several all at the same time… a spectacle.
So elegant and beautiful. They seem to match peacock (peafowl) in dance display. Love the colors and compositions. Excellent series of shots.
Thank you. Like a peacock they have a full series of dance steps 😃.