Last week we considered a few facts about the lovely egrets, their homelands, nesting and methods of securing food. Now we will look at some of the outstanding species more closely.
The great white is the largest of all egrets and looks regal as it stands with large, snowy wings outstretched and its long, white neck gracefully curved. It has long, black legs, a beautiful white, feathered body and long, yellow beak and is truly an outstanding beauty - another example of God’s marvelous creation.
Perhaps because of its large size, the great white is bold. It has been seen in Florida waters standing upright on the back of a crocodile that is swimming at the surface. As the crocodile moves along, an occasional frightened fish will leap out of the water. The watchful egret jumps off its moving perch to catch it and then returns to the crocodile’s back to enjoy the treat.
The little egret looks like a miniature of the great white but only about half its size. It is very active and appears in great numbers in many places.
The American is another large egret, about three-and-a-half feet long with a wingspan of nearly five feet. When flying lazily along, it has the most dignified appearance of all, with its long neck in a comfortable “S” curve and legs stretched out behind. Its slow speed makes an onlooker wonder how it can remain high in the air. It carries the same dignity when wading or standing like a statue in a swamp, searching for a fish or frog.
The American nests high in a cypress tree overlooking a bog or marsh. Seen mostly in Florida and the southern states, some also make their homes along the shores of California and Oregon. It is one of the species which was almost wiped out by hunters who killed them for their beautiful feathers. Fortunately, the government stopped the hunting before it was too late.
The snowy egret is another very beautiful bird, similar to the great white but smaller. Its pure-white feathers are emphasized by a black beak and legs and yellow feet. A spectacular crest of plumes behind its head adds to its beauty. This one was also nearly wiped out by hunters.
The animals and birds of the earth teach and tell us a message, as our opening verse states. Their survival would certainly be one point; they have no schools or teachers to show them how to face life and find food and shelter. These facts tell us of the Lord God who has created and cares for them. They teach us that “the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord” (Psalm 33:55He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. (Psalm 33:5)).
(to be continued)
ML-09/12/2004