Once again high water turned a corn field into  a wetland.  While the farmer may not be too happy, I am thrilled.

Great egrets aren't too common around here.  I've seen one or two standing around in Ohio in the backwater of the Ohio River. but I've never seen them close to home. This day we have six.

This one isn't too happy to have me playing the part of paparazzi. 

Like a dancer across the stage, it is starting to move through the water.

As I step out of my car, we see the egret lift out of the water.

At first, fully extended, the mammoth bird begins tucking its neck

. . . and extending those long, delicate legs.

I like that photo above for the light and dark of the egret's shoulders, forming a reversed "3" where they meet the bird's back.

The egret skillfully dodges trees as it crosses what is usually the creek edge to put distance between it and my camera.  Join me as we stand quietly and admire its flight.

Once it cleares the trees brush and low-growing willows, it turns its lovely white body leftward.

 Finally lowering, it closes in on a friend, probably knowing that there is safety in numbers.

Once again dropping those legs in preparation for landing,

 stretching out its neck for balance.

Having escaped that fearsome lady with the camera, the Great egret returns to a quiet day of fishing.

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