![]() During the breeding season, the Great Egret displays long, elegant plumes on its back, which are used in courtship displays. Their breeding plumage was especially prized, and the treasured feathers were used in hats across the globe. These beautiful birds were hunted mercilessly towards the end of the 19th century for their gorgeous feathers - nearly to the point of extinction, their numbers decimated by 95 percent. ![]() To see their brilliant all-white plumage reflected on the water’s surface is always a stunning sight. In the New World however, Great Blue Herons win the size competition. They’re the largest egret in the Old World - thus the great of their title. It’s hard not to be captivated by these creatures - the epitome of ethereal beauty, grace and strength, they wade, stalk and fly in our waters with balletic poise. One of the birds I most enjoy watching in our wetlands and swamps is the Great Egret. They’re also popular birds in captivity and among breeders, which keeps their general populations higher. There are currently plans to recover and conserve their natural habitats, with management guidelines in place to educate landholders about land management, promoting the recovery program, and Gouldian Finch conservation. While attempts at their reintroduction have proved unsuccessful, thankfully these lovely finches are the subject of a conservation program in Australia. They remain an endangered species in their natural habitat, with less than 2,500 remaining. This spectacularly-colored little bird is native to Australia, where their numbers have decreased dramatically throughout the 20th century due to habitat loss. ![]() ![]() When I think of COLOR, my brain always returns to the petite endangered Gouldian Finch - also known as the Rainbow Finch, appropriately. It’s native to a region where I was raised (roundabout, anyways). There’s so much color in the depths of South Florida, but this little one’s not native to the area. ![]()
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