herons Archives • Into the Light Adventures

A Bird Family Called Ardeidae, how to pronounce this word. Ar·de·i·dae | \ ärˈdēəˌdē. I have been photographing these two species of birds for years, the Great Egrets and Blue Herons. When I saw this photo below, I realized how similar these two birds are. Come to find out they are in the same family also.

Definition of Ardeidae

A family of long-legged and long-necked migratory wading birds comprising the herons and bitterns.

In the family Ardeidae, there are 64 different species which have been identified and are recognized. Some of these species are called bitterns or egrets in place of herons due to the differences in their appearance.

Read more: Difference Between Heron and Egret

Herons and egrets are both, freshwater, coastal birds. But these photos were taken here in the mid west. And this was the first year I saw the White Egrets here on the Mississippi river. So it was a surprise and so much fun to photograph them.

I have a handful of photos left to post of these two beautiful birds. But I hope to see more of them again next year.

A Bird Family Called Ardeidae

by Sandra J

I Am Going to Tip Toe Away

By Sandra | November 13, 2020

I Am Going to Tip Toe Away, yes there are still a few pelicans hanging out down at the old river. It has been pretty warm here so I think they are taking advantage of it.

I was down there the other day watching this group of pelicans and 3 Blue Herons in the background. (video below of Egret eating fish)

And then a couple of Egrets showed up and two Herons left, getting to crowded for them. 🙂

And then this Heron on the left, looks like he is going to try and walk slowly away with no one noticing him, except the one Egret who is looking right at him.

Alright, time to run, as much as a Heron can run 🙂

Here is a short video of an Egret eating a fish. You will see the fish go all the way down that long neck. They must have a good digestive system, because they eat one after another.