Category

Snowy Egret

The Snowy Egret, a colonial waterbird known to flock in large roosts in Texas, was nearly wiped out by market hunters around the turn of the last century, seeking the bird out for its feathers to adorn fashionable ladies’ hats.

Interviews

Narrator: Rob SawyerTitle: Bonnet MartyrDuration: 00:02:35Date: April 8, 2023Rob Sawyer is a geologist, author and historian long interested in Texas' waterfowl, hunting culture, and coastal ecosystems. Here he describes commercial waterbird hunting for feathers to decorate women's hats and gowns. The killing quickly undercut populations of cranes, herons, terms, spoonbills, and many other birds. Snowy egrets, dubbed "the bonnet martyrs", were particularly hard-hit.