The familiar Great Egret may be seen foraging on the bay's mudflats, in pastures, and even the freeway median. Beginning about 1930, Great Egrets made a slow invasion into this region. We have no positive records prior to about 1928. By the early 1950' s they were rather common and by the early 1960's they were nesting here. A smaller colony is active on Table Bluff some years.
Nests consist of platforms of sticks or other local coarse materials, usually placed high in a tree.
In some areas, nests have been placed in bulrush marshes. Local nests are nearly always sheltered from the prevailing winds and are 10-80 feet high. Only 1 brood is raised each year. Newly fledged young closely resemble adults in appearance. Foraging takes place exclusively during daylight.