Great Egret

The Great Egret (Scientific Name - Ardea Alba) is also known as the Common Egret or Great White Heron. It is found in most parts of the U.S. and the Caribbean and occasionally in the Southern part of Eastern Canada. It winters in Mexico, Central America and South America.

These birds were hunted extensively for their plumage in the nineteenth century nearly to the point of extinction. It was because of this that some of the first laws were created to protect birds.

The Great Egret is a large bird, similar in size to the Great Blue Heron. It has a long neck and long legs and a long pointed bill. The body is completely white with the bill being yellowish orange and the legs being black.

Top photo taken at Lake Tohopekalga, Florida in February 2011 and the remainder were taken at Fort Desoto Park, near St. Petersburg, Florida in March 2011.