American Egret R.E. Johnson 1967 March 19 Stinson Beach, Marin Co., California - waterways next to exposed mudflats (low tide) north of Stinson Beach. Warm, sunny, partially cloudy. 2-3 PM. Many (12 within 200 yds of me) scattered over margins of mud flats. Walk slowly, usually not wading very deep considering their leg length, with neck sometimes held nearly verticle like a sentinel. Stand with neck in "S" + bill tilted downward + then make quick stab with bill. Appear quite efficient, ie each stab appears to result in food capture + a swallow. + Feed Frequently waded in shallow water containing greenish seaweed, yet don't seem to get food entangled with seaweed (in contrast to Blue Heron). Feeds at more rapid rate than Heron. In 10 minutes it stabbed 24 times while slowly walking along. (at least "stabs" one of these did not appear to result in a swallow, howerer). During this time it moved slowly back & forth over the same small (20 ft^2) shallow (3-4 inches) area of seaweed laden water. Once a shining, wiggling object was seen caught (fish?). Once the bird spotted food to the side after having planted his feet in another direction - he stabbed while (returned crosslegged body) rather than moving feet. See Great Blue Heron for notes on walking. The only apparent difference is that the egret's head bobs more with each step & it also feeds + walks more so that its head & neck are