El Rio Open Space, a.k.a Coachline Gravel Pit, is a wonderful birding spot from August to Spring. Although mostly or totally dry in June, once the Monsoons come the wetlands fill up quickly drawing all sorts of water birds. Occasionally, a rare bird makes its presence known.
The Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens) is a medium-sized heron - larger than a Black Crowned Night Heron, but smaller the Great Egret. In the US it is found along the Gulf Coast of Louisiana and Texas.
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, there are only 1,500 to 2,000 nesting pairs of reddish egrets in the United States — and most of these are in Texas.[3] They are classified as "threatened" in Texas and receive special protection.
The Reddish Egret is considered one of the most active herons, and is often seen on the move. It stalks its prey visually in shallow water far more actively than other herons and egrets, frequently running energetically and using the shadow of its wings (see second photo) to reduce glare on the water once it is in position to spear a fish; the result is a fascinating dance.
Because it is active, with a little patience, it should become available for viewing and photographing.
Due to its bold, rapacious yet graceful feeding behavior, author Pete Dunne nicknamed the reddish egret "the Tyrannosaurus Rex of the Flats".
It eats fish, frogs, crustaceans, and insects. The bird's usual cry is a low, guttural croak. So with a little patience, it should become available.
It is generally a solitary bird, though it nests in swamps often with other herons.
Here are a few photos:
