The mystery photo that you just saw is a great egret.
Some
of you might have guessed that this bird is a heron. The difference between herons
and egrets is so tiny, that we will give you credit for that answer! In fact,
they are even from the same family. Egrets and herons live in warm, tropical areas
near water. They can be identified by their long necks, which are "S"
shaped when the bird is standing and flying. Egrets, like herons, are very large
birds. The great egret pictured below can reach almost 4 feet tall while standing!
Egrets can be found waiting patiently by a marsh or river,
watching the water in complete stillness. When the egret spots a fish, it dives
its head into the water in one quick motion, and more often than not, pulls its
head out with one big fish!
The great egret was found resting on some logs with a couple of turtles. Egrets
spend most of their time alone.
