Several years ago, a few Pike County residents had the opportunity to see young whooping cranes on their ultra light aircraft-guided flight from Wisconsin to Florida.
Many people lamented the fact that they missed being witness to that incredible journey.
Perhaps, to give local folks another opportunity to witness a remarkable happening in the world of feathered flocks, a very large congregation of egrets is nesting at the Pea River Bridge between Brundidge and Clio.
Highway 29 is always busy but now that it is the avenue to somewhat of a tourist attraction, it’s “like New York City,” a rubber-necker said.
“Never seen anything like it,” the tourist said as he strained his neck. “Never seen anything to beat it.”
Grant Lyons, Pike County Extension coordinator, said he’s not sure why the egrets have chosen the Pea River for a nesting place.
Colonies of egrets usually nest in the same place from year to year unless the nesting place is destroyed or changed considerably by the dance called progress.
And, that’s probably the reason the egrets have found safe nesting on the Pea River.
Lyons said egrets nest in trees near water. They are monogamous and both parents incubate their eggs. Young egrets are aggressive towards one another in the nest, and stronger siblings often kill their weaker kin so not all survive to fledge in two to three weeks.
James Williams said he had heard about the egrets and decided to “come over here and see ‘em.”
“I thought they’d be sitting still on the nests but they fly on and off, and they make a lot of racket, kind of a croaking sound,” he said. “This is something to see and to hear. Wonder how come they picked this place. I’m kind of glad they did so I could see something like this.”
A car slowed and the driver leaned out the window. “There’s an alligator, big one, over on the beaver dam. That’s something to see, too.”
Lyons said he has researched egrets and found them to be interesting birds.
“Their nests are made of reeds and sticks and are often up in trees and have as many as five or six eggs,” he said. “They are good fishermen. They stand motionless in the water and wait for fish, snakes, frogs or insects to pass by. Then, with lightning speed, they strike with their long neck and bill.”
Lyons said happenings like the nesting of the egrets at Pea River can be a great learning experience.
It’s one of those, “if you want to know more” opportunities.
Lyons said the Pike County Extension office has information to share on a large variety of subjects, wildlife included.
The public libraries in Brundidge and Troy are places to learn more about egrets and other wonders of nature. Their services are free.