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Sarasota News Leader January 18, 2013 Once Americans became aware of the devastation of our bird population, it became more fashionable to put down one's signature on a petition supporting the Audubon Plumage Law of 1910 than to put on one's aigrette-bedecked chapeau! Page 75 ogist Rick Greenspun has provided for these columns I have been writing. This week I have included his gorgeous photo of a male Great Egret in flight, displaying aigrettes and élan. Next week, I shall tell you about how this Egret, whom I have named Alba, goes about courting Ardea. The National Audubon Society was originally formed to protect birds. It succeeded in its Fasten your seat belts. It is going to be a beaumission, particularly in saving Ardea Alba. tiful, bumpy flight! Now it is dedicated to environmental conserOtus vation, generally. In 1953, the Society adopted the Great Egret in flight as its symbol. The logo, an outlined Great Egret, is based on a drawing by famed naturalist artist David Allen Sibley. Had the Audubon Society waited just 60 more years, it could have used one of the superb photos that Sarasota Audubon member and ornithol- ABOUT OTUS Otus Rufous, an Eastern Screech-Owl, was born on Siesta Key and is a full-time resident there. An avid hunter, accomplished vocalist and genuine night owl, Otus is a keen observer of our local wildlife and knows many of nature's secrets. Otus will answer your questions about our amazing wildlife, but only if you Ask Otus. So please send your questions and photos to askotus@sarasotanewsleader.com. Thank you. Alba in flight displays his aigrettes. Photo courtesy Rick Greenspun