Last Monday I had the unique opportunity to release this wonderful bird from IBRRC. It’s an adult Cattle Egret in shining breeding plumage. It had come in the day before with no apparent injuries and after a thorough check it was sent back out to hopefully return home.

Cattle Egret

After a quick look around and a rouse, it took off with a nice strong flight. I thought it went into the stand of nearby trees but I had no luck spotting it. I realized it had just circled around them and was flying overhead straight toward Davis where it came from. Hopefully to a waiting family.  Yeah!!

Juvenille Pied-Billed Grebe

The second release of the day was a juvenile Pied-Billed Grebe. I released it in a local marsh that had other Grebe families and plenty of food. I watched some young Grebes coming up with fish in their beaks just this week. It immediately took off toward the birds on the other side of the pond and then headed for the mom Grebe with young babies. she wasn’t very welcoming, well not at all welcoming and chased it away! Hopefully he caught up with the  juveniles his size, but I’m sure he’ll do well anyway.