Migratory

Great Egrets winter in Mexico and South America and breed along the shore, passing through this area in migration. But at least three of them have been fishing recently in Roaches Run Waterfowl Refuge across from National Airport in Arlington, and in a narrow wetlands, recently enhanced by beavers, between Carpenter Road and the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Alexandria. Standing nearly four-feet tall when they extend their necks, they have a massive wingspan. This one was photographed in Alexandria.