Archive 2020 · Is this a plausible explanation ?

sum1sgrampa
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Is this a plausible explanation ?

At the risk of looking like an idiot I'm providing this link to my blog. Nothing nefarious, just an organizational tool for me and I find it keeps me motivated. Would appreciate any input if you feel my explanation makes any sense. https://flying-fur.com/2020/09/27/maybe-he-thinks-im-a-goose/
Gary

Sep 29, 2020 at 08:33 AM

morris
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Is this a plausible explanation ?

Hi Gary,

Great Egrets are very smart birds and just like us they learn who there enemies and friends are. This individual has probably been around humans before and dose not view us as a risk. It's now getting to know you and I would not be surprised if you can get even closer than you have been.

Morris

Sep 29, 2020 at 09:52 AM

birdied
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Is this a plausible explanation ?

Nice blog Gary. I tend to agree with Morris, while he may not have been fed by people, he seems use to our presence in some situations . From your description, he does fly if one tries to approach.

The egrets, herons , etc. in the marsh/ swamp around here do not let you get anywhere near them as the area is not frequented by people much.

Birdie

Sep 29, 2020 at 11:20 AM

Mike Jacks0n
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Is this a plausible explanation ?

Its definitely not that uncommon. In my local reserve, potentially the same animals respond differently to people depending on where they are. Its very common to see the egrets and herons coming right up to people where people are fishing in a man made lake, but the natural setting lake (also man made) where fishing is restricted, they are extremely skittish. Why... for us its the people fishing. When they catch a small fish, and a bird is close, they toss it over the bird. And just like that, the bird is habituated to people. Everywhere else on the reserve you have to let them come to you, and not the other way around.

This happens to all sorts of species, until they have a bad encounter, they simply don't see you as a threat. But don't worry, it won't be long before someone tries to get a selfie and grabs it by the neck or a kid pulls a feather off before they learn their lesson.

Sep 29, 2020 at 12:52 PM

sum1sgrampa
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Is this a plausible explanation ?

Morris, Birdie, and Mike, Thanks so much for checking this out and taking the time to respond. I guess I was just trying to make sense of it in terms of the other herons and egrets that frequent the 2 wildlife preserves here in Buffalo that I often visit. Times Beach and Tift. Even though there is common foot traffic at those two locations the birds will not let you anywhere near them. I guess I should just consider myself fortunate that he happened to stop here on his flyover and stop overthinking it.

Sep 29, 2020 at 01:12 PM

jdc562
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Is this a plausible explanation ?

I am near two reserves and a park pond. All these are in urban areas that are heavily visited by people. People do not feed the birds in the reserves, but do feed the birds at the park pond. In all these places the herons and egrets are much more tolerant of humans than these same species in more wild areas.

Sep 29, 2020 at 06:14 PM

Fred Amico
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Is this a plausible explanation ?

Agree with jdc562. Egrets seem to behave much differently at a local preserve I frequent. This place gets lots of visitors, so I guess the birds become accustomed to them, as thy aren't anywhere near as skittish as usual.

Sep 29, 2020 at 07:57 PM


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