Cattle Egrets in Rookery With Babies, and Roaming With Cattle

We were lucky enough to have a rookery nearby that we could visit once in a while. There were hundreds of nests, and they included several species of egrets and herons, along with Cattle Egrets. Below is a little about some of the egrets and herons that nest in the state of Kansas. I've seen them all in rookeries.
The Great Blue Heron and Great Egret are not alone in making Kansas their nesting ground. Cattle Egrets are also fascinating residents. They are smaller than Great Egrets and often seen following cattle or other large mammals. These birds have a unique relationship with grazing animals, feeding on insects stirred up by the movement of the herds. During the breeding season, their plumage turns a striking golden hue.

The Snowy Egret is another elegant bird found here. With pure white feathers and distinctive black legs and yellow feet, Snowy Egrets are adept hunters, using their feet to stir up small fish and insects in the water. Their nests are typically built in colonies high in trees, making for quite a spectacular sight.

Little Blue Herons are also part of the Kansas avian tapestry. They start their lives with white feathers, which gradually turn to a beautiful slate blue as they mature. These herons are often found wading through shallow waters, hunting for fish and amphibians. Their nests are usually constructed in shrubs or low trees, often near water.

Lastly, the Night Herons—both Black-crowned and Yellow-crowned—add to the diversity. These herons are more nocturnal than their relatives, often seen hunting for fish and crustaceans at dusk or dawn. Their nests are typically hidden in dense foliage, providing a safe haven for their young.