Critters of the Week

Where Spotted: Tuckahoe Creek Park
Common Name: Great Egret
Scientific Name: Ardea alba
Length:Ca 37.0-40.9 in (94-104 cm)
Weight: 35.3 oz (1000 g)
Wingspan: 51.6-57.1 in (131-145 cm)

Quick Facts (Courtesy of The Cornell Lab)

• The Great Egret is the symbol of the National Audubon Society, one of the oldest environmental organizations in North America. Audubon was founded to protect birds from being killed for their feathers.
• Not all young that hatch survive the nestling period. Aggression among nestlings is common and large chicks frequently kill their smaller siblings. This behavior, known as siblicide, is not uncommon among birds such as hawks, owls, and herons, and is often a result of poor breeding conditions in a given year.
• The pristinely white Great Egret gets even more dressed up for the breeding season. A patch of skin on its face turns neon green, and long plumes grow from its back. Called aigrettes, those plumes were the bane of egrets in the late nineteenth century, when such adornments were prized for ladies’ hats.
• In mixed-species colonies, Great Egrets are often the first species to arrive, and their presence may induce nesting among other species.
• Great Egrets fly slowly but powerfully: with just two wingbeats per second their cruising speed is around 25 miles an hour.

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Shrek at Richmond SPCA

Are you searching for a fun, friendly and adorable family member? My name is Shrek and I’m the guy for you! I am pretty lonely here by myself, just waiting for my special someone to come along. Won’t you please take me home today?

Age: 1 year, 1 month
Gender: Neutered Male
Color: Black / Brown
Size: L (dog size guide)
ID: 51107178

Adopt Shrek at Richmond SPCA