Until fairly recently, Great Egrets were virtually unknown in western Oregon, being restricted to the east side of the state (where plume hunters were busy putting those populations in danger). But in the last several decades, they have moved into the west side, and are frequently present in large numbers in many interior valley wetlands, especially during the colder months. Still, a Great Egret along Crystal Springs Creek—especially at the little Brannen property at SE 21st and Tenino—is a special sight.
By Bob Wilson, CSP volunteer Until fairly recently, Great Egrets were virtually unknown in western Oregon, being restricted to the east side of the state (where plume hunters were busy putting those populations in danger). But in the last several decades, they have moved into the west side, and are frequently present in large numbers in many interior valley wetlands, especially during the colder months. Still, a Great Egret along Crystal Springs Creek—especially at the little Brannen property at SE 21st and Tenino—is a special sight. The Great Egret is one of four North American egrets, and a smaller, slimmer cousin of The Great Blue Heron, with which it shares similar habits and habitat. So keep your eyes open: with increasing populations in the metro area, who knows…Great Egrets may become a regular wintertime sight along the creek! Editors note: Please do submit your wildlife sightings from along the creek or otherwise in the watershed. Photos are great, even if the photos themselves are not of high quality. Thanks!
1 Comment
That is stunning photography, composition within the frame perfectly executed for incredible feeling of tension and motion with dramatic detail of the natural habitat. I can see you lying in mud and leaves, long camera lens emerging like an appended eye at dawn, catching the Egret in primeval moments of delicate existence. Your superior oneness with nature is evident in your work. I look forward to future installments of Crystal Springs PDX animal life!
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