testing hunting skills
patience wins
This Great Egret was hanging out with two fishermen beside the Moyne River jetty at Port Fairy.
Usually these birds are observed from a distance as they quietly seek out frogs, tadpoles or other small specimens of water/ swamp dwelling life. Not this bird. It was right beside the fishermen who explained it had trying to steal bait from their fishing tackle all afternoon. At one stage it was standing on one man’s car when he hid the bait inside it. Either a very hungry or very tame bird.
It seems they had decided to share some bait with the bird when it clearly was not going to go seek its own food naturally and of course more was asked for. Maybe another consequence of changing conditions out there in nature.
Haiku hound 
Clever birds…. I love egrets too, beautiful photographs, they are amazing with their long body and legs and white feathers… Patience is what comes with the age… Loved your haiku touches too. Thank you dear Denis, have a nice day and weekend, Love, nia
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Thanks for your lovely comments Nia. I only see Egrets occasionally and they are always hunting. This one was standing with people like a tame dog.
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What a beautiful bird Denis and your haiku captures the story. I wonder whether people have fed the egret before, it seemed very persuasive! 🙂
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Thanks for your lovely comments Xenia. I suspect this bird has worked out people fishing have food with them, so why bother hunting.It is the first time I have seen an Egret this tame.
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Always a tricky issue as to whether to feed the wildlife or not. How fabulous to get so close, they are such elegant birds.
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The Egret was standing almost on top of the people fishing. I get the feeling it was begging so there may be a story behind this, its the first tame Egret I have seen.
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Beautiful photos of this majestic bird. The first one is an excellent portrait with the slight turning of the head and one leg about to lift. Crafty fellow and a perfect example of “patience wins.” ❤
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Thanks for your lovely comments Olga. This one was more greedy than patient.
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Ah yes, the changing conditions indeed. God Bless this bird for asking for what it needed.
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I suspect changing conditions may be behind a lack of natural food but a plentiful supply with people fishing is nearby.
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Gorgeous photos of the majestic Egret!
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Thanks Magarisa, this one was especially photogenic.
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