The American egret is smaller, totally white with a thinner, sharply pointed bill. A key identifier is that American egrets usually have dark legs, while great blue herons have lighter-colored legs.

A summer wetland landscape scene is only complete if a great egret is standing on the edge of the water. Its bright white plumage and elegant S-curved neck belie its loud croaking call.

The reserve said it regularly saw 12-17 cattle egrets and six great white egrets last winter. Cattle egret are white plumed birds that often follow cattle around, feeding on the insects they disturb.