Great Egret
Kasmerodius albus
Stands about 40 inches tall. Represents one of the largest and most common of the many species of wading birds that return to the Barnegat Bay estuary every spring to nest and breed. They come here in the spring as a pair (male and female), and leave in the fall as a family of five (typically three offspring); an interesting example of the biomass production of the estuary. The Great Egret feeds primarily off of the fish of the bay, such as Atlantic Silverside (spearing) and common killifish.
Their long legs and bill allow them to forage in deeper waters to reach food that other birds cannot reach. The Great Egret can be seen far into the upper reaches of the watershed.
Their long legs and bill allow them to forage in deeper waters to reach food that other birds cannot reach. The Great Egret can be seen far into the upper reaches of the watershed.