The Great Egret (Ardea alba) are part of the heron family. They are also the symbol of the National Audubon Society and for good reason. These birds were almost wiped out because their plumage was prized as decorative fashion during the 19th century. With the help of organizations such as the Audubon Society, the Great Egret has made a welcomed comeback. The one I saw was along the Bronx River Pathway just north of Bronxville, NY. Like my sighting of the Mute Swans, this Great Egret sparked interest from many of the Bronx River Path’s walkers, runners, and bikers.
Great Egret Appearance:
Great Egrets are characterized by their long “S” neck. Their plumage is white. Their body stands on two black legs for adult Egrets. The beak is yellow, but may look more like orange during their breeding season. Young Egrets are less vibrant in appearance and may have no plumage.
Great Egret Diet:
The Great Egret is considered a carnivorous bird. Their diet consists mainly of fish, but they are also known to consume frogs, snakes, salamanders and insects. On occasion, Great Egrets do venture from their aquatic hunting grounds and take field prey such as rodents and other birds.
Great Egret Sighting:
The Great Egret I saw was while I biked along the Bronx River Pathway. I was just north of Bronxville, where a dam creates a wide berth of the river. As I passed over a bridge, the Great Egret was near a shrub lined shore stalking possibly a prey along the water’s edge. Needless to say I was not the only one to take notice and a crowd began to form to take their own photos and gaze upon the white plumed bird.
Species Spotlight:
| Common name | Great Egret |
| Species | Ardea alba |
| Location Spotted | Bronx River Pathway, North of Bronxville, Westchester County, New York |
| Date Spotted | April 20th, 2023 |
| Sighting and Trail Remarks | While biking along the Bronx River Pathway, just north of Bronxville, NY, I came across the Great Egret. The white plumed bird was stalking something along the shrub lined shore. It was a great sight which many other onlookers took advantage of as well. Other wildlife present were turtles, ducks, Canadian Geese, and a Great Blue Heron. |