Great White Egret in flight over Big Cypress Swamp next to the Everglades in South West Florida with 300 f/2.8 and 1.7 Converter. Ardea alba. Great egrets are found near water, salt or fresh, and feed in wetlands, streams, ponds, tidal flats, and other areas. They snare prey by walking slowly or standing still for long periods, waiting for an animal to come within range of their long necks and blade-like bills.