In Avinger, Texas, the birds, numbering 25,000, outnumber humans by 40 to 1. Residents are outraged by the invasion, particularly since the birds are sheltered by two international treaties as well as federal and state laws. Those harassing the birds face fines. The rookery is ankle deep in bird droppings, eggs fall from the trees like leaves and shrubbery is coated with rotting yolks. Dead baby birds litter the ground.
Fine feathers fill the air and the stench of ammonia hangs over the woods like a cloud.
Although state health officials say no serious illness attributable to egrets has been confirmed, the nuisance and indirect potential from insects and insect transmitted diseases associated with rookies has not been studied. Whether or not the benefits outweigh the hazards of their presence, the egrets are here to stay. The presence of cattle egrets in fields can be an excellent indicator of the presence of armyworm hotspots. Alderink, F. J. and A. Dietrich. Texas Agricultural Experiment Station B-1426.