2006 Second Place Photography Contest Winner

Photo by Danny Cox of Hernando, MS

The Great White Egret is the symbol of the National Audubon Society, which was founded in the 19th Century in part to prevent birds from being killed for their feathers. During the Victorian Era, fashionable women wore plumes upon their hats.

Second only to the Great Blue Heron in size, this Egret is one of the largest of the wading birds, whose numbers have recovered as a result of conservation measures, but they still have problems due to loss of habitat.

The Great White Egret feeds in shallow water or drier habitats, spearing fish, frogs or insects with its long, sharp bill. It will often wait motionless for prey, or slowly stalk its victim. It is a conspicuous species, as its brilliant white plumage is easily seen. The Great White Egret is partially migratory, with northern hemisphere birds moving south from areas with cold winters. Great White Egrets are primarily solitary birds, who will congregate during mating season, and can often be found nesting with other species of Heron. Both males and females exhibit long ornamental back plumes during the mating season. Nests are built in platform fashion 30-40 feet off the ground with females laying one to six blue-green eggs, with both parents sharing incubation duties until the nestlings hatch out in approximately three weeks.