Great Egret

Itchy birds are the norm this evening at the Horicon Marsh.  The heron family entertained with its avian antics.  Great Egrets are a part of the heron family.  They itched, stretched, and ate fish as they waded in the water along Highway 49.

Call of the Wild

They have tremendous balance as they stand on a single skinny leg.

Egrets have elegance,

and fluffiness,

and comical agility,

Juvenile Great Blue Heron

which is also shared by another member of the family, the Great Blue Heron.  These family members like to scratch because they have unique modified feathers on their chests that continually grow and fray.  These feathers disintegrate into a fine, white powder. Herons comb this powder down with their middle toes.  The powder helps to remove fish slime and other residue.

It helps keep their plumage looking fabulous.

Sandhill Crane

I have never seen a Sandhill Crane sitting down.  Usually, they like to stroll through the marsh or nearby fields.  Perhaps, he just had to sit down and enjoy the entertainment.