It is often spread at feeders, and experts recommend cleaning feeders weekly to prevent them from becoming transfer stations for conjunctivitis. It was there for all of two days, around April 17. Maybe it had recently migrated from the Amazonia. In a book about Brazil, there were pictures of birds in the Amazonia, including this variety of white egret, black legs and all. A gold beak would make it a great egret.
Snowy egrets have black beaks.
Weir walk If you missed Ed Kanze's bird walk last weekend, try Frank Gallo's this Sunday, Mother's Day. Frank has led birding tours throughout New England, and in Central and South America, and has done many walks at Weir. For information, call Bruce Beebe at 834-5066.