The bird is mostly seen wading forward rather quickly in an upright position, stopping abruptly and, at the same time, stretching its wings forward over its head to form a canopy, a few centimetres above or sometimes touching the water surface. During this posture, which is only held for two or three seconds, foot-stirring under the canopy can clearly be seen in the majority of occasions. After folding back its wings, the egret again wades with agile steps before resuming the canopy posture. (see next photos)