Turtlesinger, Inc.


is a Federal 501(c)3 Public Charity - New Jersey Charities Registration # CH2998200
Mission Statement: To educate and entertain the public about turtles with original songs and/or live turtles.



August 12, 2020



Egret Went A-Courtin’



The Great White Egret in this video taken in May at the Ocean City rookery displays mating plumage! The Great White Egret can also be referred to as the Great Egret, Common Egret, or Great White Heron. In 1953, the great white egret (in flight) was adopted as the symbol for the National Audubon Society, and one of their goals was to prevent killing birds for their feathers. (Did you also know that some turtle breeding grounds are referred to as rookeries?) These birds also look like they’re wearing green eye shadow during breeding season. Great White Egrets are large birds, second in size only to the Great Blue Heron (or the occasional Bald Eagle) on the salt marshes. For video of growing egrets at the Ocean City rookery, SCROLL DOWN…



August 12, 2020



Wing Exercise!



Here you can see three young Great White Egrets big enough to step away from the actual nest, but too young yet to fly.


Watch and you’ll notice them exercising their wings!


While you watch this video, you can also enjoy the sounds of the rookery!


For a Great White Egret photo, SCROLL DOWN…



August 12, 2020



Don’t Let That Skinny Neck Fool You!



The Great White Egret neck looks very slim, but one time I saw one who frequents the side of the road (which is in the salt marsh) in front of our house. To my amazement, the egret managed to catch a good-sized muskrat and fly a short distance further into the marsh with it. I followed its progress with our spotting scope, and could not believe it when I watched it swallow the muskrat, whole! Ever since I saw that happen, I've referred to that Great White Egret as: The "Rat-Catcher!"


So, their necks have a flexibility reminiscent of reptiles.


Finally, for some amazing Great White Egret video Charlie The Turtletoter took in our back yard just before my birthday, SCROLL DOWN…



August 12, 2020



Cape May Flamingos!



We’re calling these Great White Egrets “flamingoes” just because recently we heard a toddler who saw one say excitedly, “I see a flamingo!” That comparison is understandable with its long neck, and watching the way these Great White Egrets move their necks in this video fascinated me. It’s almost as if an invisible fishing line is attached to their necks, and a fisherman is slowly reeling in his line! This video was taken 2 days before my July 27th birthday, and the egrets reminded me of animals we saw in the Galapagos islands, because they showed no fear of us sitting just a few feet away.


Sit back and enjoy the magic of these majestic birds fishing at sunset! A lot is happening in this video: Great White Egrets fishing and eating, skimmers skimming by, and it looks like it’s sprinkling rain because there are SO many fish in the low tidal water. Near the end of the video, you can even see what we call “fish showers” as bigger fish pursue the smaller fish from beneath as the tide rises. Low tide on the salt marsh can be magical!


We leave you with a reminder that our virtual show is still playing at the West Deptford Public Library website until August 31st.


Thanks as always for reading!





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turtlesinger@hotmail.com | Phone: (609) 463-0685