The Snowy Egret

FramedPhoto and story by www.PhotoByVivian.com

The Snowy Egret population, protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, has been rebounding on the Central Coast. Almost hunted to extinction because of the demand of their showy plumes, which were once more valuable than the price of gold, they have made a comeback, however they are still threatened by loss of habitat. Luckily, today you’ll see groups on our shoreline feeding on small fish and crabs, roosting in trees in our local orchards and even along the side of our freeways feeding on insects. They have beautiful bright yellow feet and yellow marking in front of their eyes. During mating season the yellow in front of their eyes turns red, their feet orange and their feathers look “shaggy.”
The Snowy Egret pictured above was soaring over Avila Beach.
See more photos at www.PhotoByVivian.com.