Great Egret Contortions

 

I was watching great egrets at the Jersey shore yesterday. They get their long legs, neck, and other parts into very complicated positions while hunting at the water's edge. Click to enlarge.

Like this.

And this.

And like when you try to suck in your stomach to look slender...

And when folded into a delicate twisted filigree.

Or just sitting in a tree showing off the breeding plumes.