The Great Egret - Brought to the brink of extinction by plume hunting, is a prime example of how conservation efforts can save a species. Great Egrets were targeted for the use of their gorgeous feathers in fashion. Hundreds of thousands of birds were killed per year at the height of the extermination. After a series of laws were passed in order to preserve the Egret and other native birds, Egret populations were able to recover (although not fully). The Egret is now the symbol of the Audubon Society which strives to saves birds and their habitats.

The Egret in this colony were among the birds that were saved due to the efforts of early conservationists.