Alan's Interesting Bird Observations

Black Egret Tenting

Egretta ardesiaca

Also known as a Swartreier in Afrikaans

The Black Egret is a small heron which is fairly common in South Africa.

Black Egret (Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary)

The tenting action occurs with the wings being raised over the head to form an umbrella. There are two theories behind this action: one is to eliminate reflections from the water; the other is a shady "refuge" is created for any small water creatures. My feeling is that it is probably a combination of the two as the bird will often stir the mud with its feet before tenting. I was priviliged to be able to photograph this behaviour at the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary.

Stirring up the mud

Opening the umbrella

Opening the umbrella

Fully open, with more stirring of the mud

Back to Birds.