Great egret calling in flight

A great egret cruised low across the marsh calling out — egrets have a surprisingly harsh, croaking call for such an elegant-looking bird. Low winter light caught the white plumage while the reeds and water stayed nearly black, giving the whole frame heavy contrast for almost no post-processing effort.

Why it matters

Great egrets were hunted nearly to extinction in the late 1800s for their breeding plumes, used in the millinery trade — the resulting public outcry helped launch the modern conservation movement and led to the founding of the National Audubon Society. Seeing one fly this casually over a protected marsh is a direct result of that history.

Getting the shot

Panned with the bird at a fast shutter to keep the wings sharp against a fairly dark, low-contrast background. Waited through several passes to catch one with the head turned and the bill open.