By Ranger Amy

My name is Chrissy. I’m a bird, but not one of those small birds that flits along the treetops singing sweet little songs. I also don’t eat roadkill or swoop down fast to catch my food.

I’m a tall bird that wanders around prairies and fields. I prefer to be in the company of hooved animals such as cows or deer. 

As I walk, I snack on insects, such as grasshoppers, crickets, deer flies, and sometimes crawfish. I have long yellow legs that let me see over the tall grass. My feathers are white, my beak yellow, and during breeding season I have peachy plumes on my head, chest, and back. 

I’m a cattle egret

Humans call us cattle egrets.

I was born and raised in Texas, but my ancestors came from a land full of hoofed companions across the sea. That land is Africa.

Humans don’t know how we came here to North America. I’ve heard stories about boat rides and stormy weather, but that was long ago. All I know for sure is that we begin calling this land home in the early 1950s. 

My new home?

This summer I’ve been spending my days at Martin Dies, Jr. State Park. I never used to visit this park because the grass was always short! I don’t like short grass; it makes me feel exposed to danger and I can’t find much to eat.

This summer is different. The grass and other wild plants have finally started to grow! I’ve enjoyed getting to know the deer that live here, and I help them by eating the flies and ticks that bother them.

I’ve noticed lots of baby trees starting to grow in the grasses too. This area is finally starting to grow and heal from past storm damage.

If it’s growing and prospering, I might call this park home.