Snowy Egrets

Egrets are medium-sized, slender herons. They are covered in all white feathers, up until their long black legs, which run into their eye-catching yellow feet. At first glance, this bird seems plain, but once its plumage is on display it is obvious why so many want to catch a glimpse of this bird. The plumage of snowy egrets was once so desired for fashion that they neared extinction. In the beginning of the chapter, Williams mentions the Wasatch mountains with its snow-covered peaks. These images of white and snow are then linked to the coldness Williams’ mother feels in the hospital. Much as the Snow egrets had to fight to stay alive Williams’ mother must now also fight. Snow egrets are family driven. Males and females take turns guarding eggs. The only time snow egrets are known to make noise is while they are nesting sites. This importance of family and standing by them is seen in how Williams’ stays in the hospital with her mother while her family members are downtown helping stop the flood. Williams stays by her mother’s side and trys to protect her from the pain she is feeling. The raspy and begging calls of the snowy egrets as they protect their family is imedately understood by anyone who as spent time in a hosptial trying to protect a loved one from their own battle.