The heron family has a varied number of species. Let's focus on three today, the great egret, snowy egret and great blue heron. The first two are beautiful all-white birds, but unfortunately for them, that unique plumage became a liability.

The great egretis a regular visitor to our area in late summer. After breeding in coastal areas of New Jersey, Delaware or Maryland, many move northward as part of a post-breeding dispersal.You may encounter them in August along Mahoning Creek, Beltzville and Mauch Chunk reservoirs, or even smaller ponds such as Phifer's Ice Dam in Weissport. They stand about 3 feet tall, have a 5-foot wing span, have black legs and feet, and sport a yellow bill.They also, during breeding season, grow beautiful white plumes from their back, which they use to help attract mates. These plumes were also prized for lady's fashion (hats in particular) in the late 1800s and early 1900s.Ladies hats from the Roaring '20s were in such demand that 95 percent of the great egret population was wiped out by plumage hunters. Laws protecting shorebirds, and of course the usual changes in women's fashions, have allowed their numbers to rebound.The snowy egretis a somewhat smaller version of the great egret. It is about a foot smaller, has a black bill and legs, but bright yellow feet. They sport their beautiful breeding plumes on their head and back. Since egrets and herons spend so much time wading to find their food, these feet aren't always visible.Both species feed mostly on small fish, frogs and crustaceans. If the opportunity arises, visit the marshes of our coastal areas to see them perfecting their fishing skills in tidal pools.Locally, the snowy egret is the least likely to be found.The great blue heron isa resident of our area. It can be seen at the same habitats as the egret, including the Lehigh Canal and many backyard ponds and streams. It stands about 4½ feet tall with a wingspan of 6½ feet. It has been erroneously referred to as a crane.All three of the birds discussed today fly with their necks curled close to their bodies, while cranes fly with necks outstretched like a Canada goose.The "great blue" in most lighting conditions really looks more gray than blue. The "great blue," as well as egrets, often nest in rookeries containing many nests. Since we don't have the expansive marshes locally, the heron rookeries here are smaller. Great blue herons don't endear themselves to fish farms or fish hatchery operators who have learned that netting needs to be placed over the raceways because herons soon learn the "buffet" is open and they would easily catch many fish in these confined areas.Many other heron species can be found within about a 150-mile radius of Lehighton: the green-backed heron, little blue heron, tricolored heron, black-crowned night heron, yellow-crowned night heron and the cattle egret.Since most herons are larger birds, they are more likely to be observed. However, as always, a reminder: Keep those nature eyes open. …Test your knowledge: Many birds dust bathe to help with all of these but: A. to help control parasites, B. To help them get camouflaged, C. to soak up excess oil from their skin.Last week's answer: D. all are correct, birds' ability to fly is aided by hollow bones, no teeth or heavy jaws, and no urinary bladder. All of these adaptations reduce body weight.Contact Barry Reed at

breed71@gmail.com.