Meet the great egret, also known as the great white egret. Found in the Americas, Asia, Africa and parts of Europe, these birds are often seen wading through wetlands, tidal flats and quiet streams. Patient and precise, they stand motionless for minutes, waiting for just the right moment to deliver a lightning-fast strike. Fish are their main prey, but they also eat frogs, reptiles and even small mammals. In the late 1800s, the great egret"s beautiful plumes became a must-have in women"s fashion across North America, driving their population down by an estimated 95%. The killing might have continued if not for two Boston socialites, Harriet Hemenway and Minna Hall, who led a boycott of the feather trade. Their activism helped launch the National Audubon Society.
Great white egret, Hungary
Today in History
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Celebrating our looming lunar neighbour
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One rare streak
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Daintree Rainforest and Noah Beach, Queensland, Australia
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Everglades National Park, Florida, USA
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Republic Day
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Nimble and stealthy
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Gayathri Reservoir, Karnataka, India
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Im ready for my close-up, Mr. DeSquirrel
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Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming, United States
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Alps of the sea
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Happy International Zebra Day!
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World Sea Turtle Day
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Check out these ‘sea cows’
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Knuthöjdsmossen nature reserve, Sweden
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Elephant Rock, Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia
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Songkran—Thai New Year
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Happy New Year’s from down under
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World Lion Day
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Tomb of the Golden Pharaoh
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Sea lion in a kelp forest, Baja California, Mexico
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An underwater paradise to explore
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The gateway to jungle
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Molokini crater, Maui, Hawaii, USA
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Moon Day
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Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, USA
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History awaits atop the hill
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Stepping back in time
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Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram, Tamil Nadu
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Temple of Philae, Aswan, Egypt
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Sanctuary among the trees