It is because the Snowy egret, the Egretta thula, has such beautiful plumes, the long soft feathers, that became very popular in woman's hats that the birds were almost hunted into extinction. Fortunately, the United States Migratory Bird Treaty Act saved them just in time. Their gleaming white bodies make their big orange feet really stand out. As seen at the Carpinteria California Salt Marsh 1 April 2024.