College Street Egret Rookery

Where do cattle egrets go to build their nests?  In Lewisville, that is apparently the neighborhood pool park on College Street, now known as Wayne Frady Park. 

We had heard about this rookery on the news and in the paper, but did not know what to expect.  On our way home from LLELA earlier this week we decided to swing by and take a look.  We are glad we did.  

Dozens or perhaps hundreds of birds, mostly cattle egrets, have crowded into the trees near the back of this small park and built nests on what seems to be every possible space.  
 

Each of the "clumps" in the tree is a nest

The rookery is a real nuisance to the people in this neighborhood, but it was very interesting to see.  It is also very accessible, with the viewing spots a short walk down a sidewalk from the parking lot.

There were birds scattered throughout the trees, most squabbling over space.

  Of course there were birds on each of the nests.

Cattle egrets sitting on their nests

 
In addition to the birds in the trees, there was a steady stream of birds flying into and out of the area carrying sticks...presumably making more nests. 
 
The area under the trees was blocked off, but it was easy to see at several breaks in the overgrown bushes that there were dozens more birds on the ground.

Birds in the open space under the trees

Cattle egrets are not small birds.  They are 18-22 inches long and have a wingspan of 3 feet or more. 

Cattle egret with non-breeding yellow beak and legs

 

Cattle egret with the pink legs and pink on the beak of breeding season

We will likely visit again.  We are sure the birds will be there for awhile.  By federal law (the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918) once nests are established nothing can be done to disturb the birds.  The birds will leave on their own at the end of nesting season, but that may not be until November.