GreatBlue Heron and Great White Egret eyeing each other cover photo - 256547137

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Cover photo description:
Heavy rainstorm during daytime at Cayuga Lake Salmon Creek area brought down some migratory great egret for refuge from the storm. Usually seen at Montezuma at north end of the lake, living amongst many other egret and herons due to high food content in the marshes. Great Egrets are tall, long-legged wading birds with long, S-curved necks and long, dagger-like bills. In flight, the long neck is tucked in and the legs extend far beyond the tip of the short tail. Great Egrets wade in shallow water both fresh and salt to hunt fish, frogs, and other small aquatic animals. Like herons, they typically stand still and watch for unsuspecting prey to pass by. Then, with startling speed, the egrets strike with a jab of their long neck and bill.

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