Snowy Egret’s Own Great Spirit

I haven’t sighted a Snowy Owl on the beach yet, but I hear that indeed Floridians in Jacksonville have!  With historic winter weather patterns I ask myself “Has the Arctic Circle come full?”

Keeping with the winter theme though, the Snowy Egret has graced me with its elegance in the early mornings while I monitor the low tidal flats.

A member of the heron family, this bird breeds as far north as Maine, and migrates even to Central America. The Seminole culture referred to the slender legged and statuesque egret as “Yellow Snippers”- a wise and determined spirit displaying balance while walking into deep waters without fear.

This particular local bird IS wise, declaring its residency, staying put here on the beach, awaiting trapped minnows, crabs, and unsuspecting surfcasters -despite Climate Change Snowy Egret is putting its best foot forward…