The Great Egret was nearly exterminated in Europe and North America in the early 20th century because its feathers were prized hat decorations. This sparked some of the earliest bird protection efforts. For example, the National Audubon Society uses a flying egret as its symbol. Today, egret populations have rebounded across the world. #egrets #greategret #snowbird #europe #northamerica #birds #bird #audobon #audobonsociety #birdprotection #birding #birdwatching #nature #science #ifls