WunderPhotos®

"During breeding season, the male Great Egret develops a green color around the eyes, and a beautiful wispy plume of feathers, which drape over its back and well past its tail. This gorgeous plumage nearly led to its demise in the early 1900s, as the feathers were highly sought as fashion accessories. In fact, the Audubon Society chose this bird in 1953 as its symbol, and it was formed in part to protect birds such as this one."