Bird Body Language

Great Egret at the Horicon Marsh

Great Egret

I’m not sure what this bird posture means.  He could be saying, “I dare you to come closer, so I can eat you.”  He may be saying, “I would leave if I were you, because this is MY tree!”

Great Egret Preening at the Horicon Marsh

Great Egret Preening

He may just be stressed because he is molting.  He was flinging feathers with his bill in every direction.

Red-winged Blackbird at the Horcion Marsh

Red-winged Blackbird on Common Mullein

Red-winged Blackbirds like to flash their colorful wing patch and loudly sing to defend their territory.  They cover the wing patch when they enter another Red-winged Blackbird’s territory.  This may be the most abundant bird in North America.

Mallard at the Horicon Marsh

Male Mallard with Summer Plumage

The male Mallard is keeping a low profile and enjoying a lazy Sunday afternoon.  He has his nonbreeding plumage.  He is still recognizable with the white bordered blue patch on his wing.

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