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Great egrets spotted in Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge

For the past week seven great egrets have been making the Spokane-area refuge their home, said Mike Rule, refuge wildlife biologist. The birds show up every few years. The last time they were at Turnbull was in April 2015. (Tina Penny / Courtesy)
For the past week seven great egrets have been making the Spokane-area refuge their home, said Mike Rule, refuge wildlife biologist. The birds show up every few years. The last time they were at Turnbull was in April 2015. (Tina Penny / Courtesy)
By Eli Francovich elif@spokesman.com(509) 459-5508

Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge had some special winged guests this week.

For the past week seven great egrets have been making the Spokane-area refuge their home, said Mike Rule, refuge wildlife biologist. The birds show up every few years. The last time they were at Turnbull was in April 2015.

But this year is special.

“This is actually kind of unprecedented both in the time they’ve been here and the number seen in a group,” Rule said. “When we see them it’s special. everyone is like, ‘Oh wow look, great egrets are here.’ ”

Tina Penny took these photos of a great egret above the Pine Lake loop trail on Sept. 20.

Rule said the first of the egrets showed up about two weeks ago. The egrets don’t usually stay long and may have already left, Rule said.