H is for herons (and egrets) and house-sitting

 

large white bird in flight
Today is mostly a bird lesson. This is because I needed to take time to sort out the different herons that we have seen. 

We have three for today - egrets (great white and little egrets), cattle egrets and other herons. I believe (and could be wrong) that all are herons. The heron classification is broad and includes many colors/colours and shapes. Egrets are more slightly built and are white. Many have breeding plumage (aigrettes). We have seen great white egrets often this trip. Fun factoid: their legs turn from yellow to black as they enter the breeding season. Note the different leg colors in these:

large white bird with yellow-black legs wading
large white bird with black legs wading

Cattle egrets are typically identified near cattle. If in breeding season, they typically have a buff head. Apparently they find cattle a reliable source of ticks and flies, ready for the picking!
two white birds near a bull

medium-large white bird in tree; it has red/orange on its head and back

Then  we have the very strident white faced herons. These birds nest in trees and feel it necessary to squawk loudly as they fly overhead!
large grey bird in tree
This little one is also a heron - a grey morph of the usually darker pacific reef heron
small squat grey bird in water

Apparently the great white above is also a morph of the grey heron. No blue herons here, though!

We are still in Lithgow. I think we have both decided that this area (Sydney and reaches) is not our favorite.  The town is cute but we don't see a need to get out much. The dog and I did brave the gusts to go out yesterday. 
This is the poor pup in the wind
We did get a nice view of the town and the railroad that brought it to life
town as seen from hilltop

The pup thought the walk was plenty, especially after the big dogs came lunging to the fence on our way back. 
Wishing you a peaceful morning/afternoon/evening!
black fuzzy dog asleep on couch



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