Snowy Egret
(Egretta thula) ORDER: CICONIIFORMES l FAMILY: ARDEIDAE
~ May 9, 2009
Bolsa Chica, CA
This snowy egret, a medium-sized white heron, marched through the water at Bolsa Chica. Notice the feathers on his head and long, lacy feathers down his back. In the late 1800s, thousands of snowy egret were killed and harvested for these back plumes. Hats were all the rage, and women's hats were trimmed with the snowy egret's feathers. They were so sought after and valuable, that in 1886, the plumes were worth twice the value of gold! Fortunately, public awareness brought an end to this practice and the snowy egret made a come back.
The snowy egret can be identified from other egrets by its black legs and yellow feet.
~ June 14, 2009
Ballona Creek, CA
~August 18, 2009
Back Bay, Newport Beach, CA
~September 6, 2009
Bolsa Chica, CA