Great Egret

Ardea alba Mar–Dec

A common bird, and easy to spot due to its white coloring and large size. During the breeding season they grow long plumes, known as aigrettes, and develop a lime green patch of skin between the eye and the yellow bill. This is a quick way to distinguish them from the Snowy Egret which has a black bill, although size alone can be an indicator since the Snowy is much smaller.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Egrets were hunted nearly to extinction for their plumes, which were used to decorate hats and other accessories. This was officially banned in 1913, and the movement to save these birds played a large role in establishing the Audubon Society of Massachusetts. Led by Harriet Hemenway and her cousin Minna Hall, 900 women joined the boycott of bird fashion and feathered items. Thanks to these conservation efforts this bird is now a relatively common sight along the bike path during the warmer months. Keep an eye out for them around lakes and marshy areas, such as Watchemoket Cove Crossing, Bullock Cove, and Echo Lake.