Sarasota News Leader

01/25/2013

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Sarasota News Leader January 25, 2013 Page 83 And what does she do? She turns into the "Ice Queen"! She is coy, reticent and at the same time, maddeningly coquettish. Poor Alba. "Between the desire and the spasm" falls the test of true mettle. Ardea is settled in an oak tree by the shore. Alba is across the water in the bay's ait. He begins the courtship by "displaying" his all to her. He extends his elegant neck and lifts his deep orange-and-black bill to the skies and shimmers his body while framed against the background of his fanned aigrettes. What does Ardea do? She sits in the oak and preens, watching Alba through her diaphanous aigrettes — a houri gazing through her virginal veil. After shimmering, dancing and prancing, Alba proceeds to take on any male he perceives as a competitor. Ardea will now witness some of the most amazing avian aerial displays. Alba Alba remains above Rival during their aerial battle. Photo courtesy of Rick Greenspun Ardea and Alba finally consummate their courtship. Photo courtesy of Rick Greenspun

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