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er of wild birds. A law was passed to this effect; laws need to be enforced. The same group raised money and hired wardens to patrol and protect birds in two remaining nesting colonies. The first two wardens were shot and killed, one in South Carolina and another in Florida. Public opinion was aroused and the egrets were given more protection.
Egrets are superbly equipped to feed on anything that move in shallow water by long bills, long necks, and ■* long legs. They have made a spectacular comeback and now we can see them in all their grace and glory. After nesting and before moving south for the winter, Egrets follow rivers and streams inland and turn up as far west as Flint Hill, Virginia.
Not too long ago the following conversation occurred between me and an observer of a ". . .big white crane" seen feeding in the shallows on a pond near Warrenton.
"It's an Amerian Egret,” I said.
"I've seen them on the coast. What's he doing at Warrenton??
"Probably eating frogs and minnows.”
"But why's he so far from the coast?"
I explained in serious, ornithological terms the impulse of these birds to follow creeks and rivers inland in late summer and early fall after reproduction responsibilities are fulfilled.
"It's called Post Nuptial Wandering," said I. ,
"Post Nuptial wandering?" I nodded and there was a long pause. Finally the comment: "Well, I knew people did that. I certainly didn't know birds did!"
John Trott welcomes reader comment at P.O. Box 5J5, Flint Hill, Va. 22627.
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