One wouldn’t ordinarily associate egrets with the desert. But occasionally during the migratory seasons that is what happens. It is not unusual to see large flocks of Cattle Egrets (Bubulcus ibis), in the Big Bend National Park and surrounding areas. Their favorite places to perch, at least in my experience, are the ocotillo plants. Their large, tall, but thorny, limbs and branches make ideal places for they to roost. They are quite a bit smaller than their cousins, the Great Egret. But nevertheless, they are equally beautiful.
Cattle Egret in Ocotillo
These photos were taken several years ago, on one of our many journeys to that beautiful area of the United States. As you can see, they look glorious against the backdrop of a clear blue, desert sky.
As we were approaching the western entrance to Big Bend NP, we noticed as we pulled up to the kiosk to pay our entry fee, that there were two of these Cattle Egrets sitting on the roof. Of course, our car disturbed them, and they flew only a distance of about 30 yards away. I was able to easily photograph them from the car with my Canon EOS 7D and 100-400mm lens.
Cattle Egret in Ocotillo
Cattle Egret in Ocotillo
Cattle Egret really in the Ocotillo
This next final photo was shot, I believe, at even an earlier date. I know that I was using my old EOS 40D at that time. I like this photo with a backdrop of the mountains of the Big Bend.
Cattle Egret in Ocotillo with Chisos Mountains in background.
I hope you enjoyed these photos. Click on any of them to see an enlargement.
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Happy Birding!!
Texas Tweeties by Bob Zeller 
Beautiful as always, Bob. I’m hoping to photograph some egrets in Maine next month.
Thanks, Karen. I hope you get great shots. Let me see them if you do. 🙂
I love the egret, they are such an elegant bird.
Thank you, Ted. I appreciate your comment.
Lovely, I like the last one, with the perfect tree it seems.
Thanks very much, Martina. I really appreciate it.
Love your egrets, Bob, especially the last photo! 🙂
Thank you, Donna. I think the last one is everybody’s favorite, and I thought is was my least best image. Go figure……..-)
loving my home state of Arizona, my favorite shot is the egret on the Ocotillo..those who have not seen it in bloom, have missed a lifetime of beauty. The bird is perfect on it..have a terrific Tuesday.
I agree with you, Syl, You must see it to appreciate.
Wonderful photos, Bob. I’ve seen a few white ones here too, but never got a chance to get a good photo.
Keep trying, Gracie. You will get the chance. 🙂
All of the shots are great…..but that one with Chisos Mountains is…..as my cousin would say…Better Than Excellent!!
Thank you so much, Rob. I really appreciate all of your kind compliments.
I really like the last one with the Chisos in the background. Beautiful!
The Chisos. Probably my favorite place to be, the Big Bend country. Many thanks for the kind words, Shannon. 🙂
Very nice photos Bob! 🙂
Thanks, H.J.
I especially like those last two images Bob – the last egret in the ocotillo for its graphic lines and the setting of the egret with the Chisos Mountains in the background. We see egrets here too – in our desert. As long as there’s water, they will come…
Thanks for the kind words, Ron. Incidentally, we have three Ocotillos in our yard. But, dang, the egrets never stop here. 🙂
That’s something you never expect to see – egrets and ocotillo together! Lovely!
It is definitely a beautiful sight, Cindy.
Looks like we’ve both got egrets on our minds…. I had no idea they were found in this area…. Thanks fo a great post.
Thanks for your kind comment, Merrill. I appreciate it very much. 🙂
What lovely white birds and white is hard to paint and I am sure white is difficult to photo..kudos on these..have a great evening.
You are right, Syl. Whites are definitely hard to photo. Hard to avoid burned out whites. Thanks for the kind words. 🙂