R.E. Johnson 1967 March 19 Stinson Beach, Marin Co., California (cont.) then quick forward step may be necessary to correct balance. Walking while searching appears the same for both species. Weight is kept on forward leg until rear leg has been brought well forward of it, then rather abruptly, the body moves & weight is transferred. Head jorts with each step, but much more so in Egret. One heron seen to wade up to feathered part of leg (well above "knee"). [see Amer. Egret - page 2]. Apparently Amer. Egret will also wade this deep while feeding, but may not do so as often. One heron waded to within so that body was within one inch of water & continued feeding in this location for 20 minutes. On take off into air from land, one individual was observed to jump or spring into air. Landing may involve several decelerating steps. Alula is extended out from wing on landing. Heron is very inconspicuous in water with floating seaweed, especially toward sundown (4:40 PM & overcast). Egrets are very conspicuous in same locations. Continues to feed in same area as tide comes in & mud flats are covered with water. (4:50 PM). A heron flew up & actively chased a nearby (20ft) Amer. Egret.