Critters of the Week

Where Spotted: Bryan 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.

As you can tell I enjoyed photographing this bird. I’ve got more bird photos at Dickie’s Backyard Bird Blind on Facebook.

Calliope at Richmond SPCA

Hi! My name is Calliope and I’m a cute, curious little lady looking for my place in this world and I hope that it’s with you! I love to play with toys and then have a cuddle session afterwards. I am quite silly and sure to keep you smiling with my antics. Call the Richmond SPCA adoption center right meow to make an appointment to see me!

Age: 2 months
Gender: Spayed Female
Color: Black / Orange
Declawed: No
ID: 44458804

Adopt Calliope at Richmond SPCA

Learn more about their adoption process.

To reduce visitor traffic, during the COVID-19 outbreak they are scheduling adoption appointments beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Please leave your phone number in a voicemail or email and an adoption counselor will call to set an appointment for you to meet with a pet. Email the adoption center or call 804-521-1307.

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