During the 19th century the great egret was hunted to near extinction. The plumes were used in lady’s fashions; the Audubon Society is credited with saving this species. Often seen hunting in marsh & wetlands areas, the egret uses the stalking method. Standing immobile waiting for the prey to make an appearance, and with lightning reflex, they stab their food. The great egret is the symbol of the Audubon Society, and it one of the first birds to start nesting in the spring.