A Snowy Egret turns its head to the side as it arranges a scaled sardine for a nice little side meal at Coquina Bayside Park. The "tiny dancer with yellow slippers," according to the Ultimate Guide to Birds of Lakewood Ranch, once was hunted and killed in the 1800s for its plumage that was used to decorate ladies hats. The shorebird is protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, which has led to its population growth. As for the fish, a "razor belly" some may call it, its scales never adorn ladies hats and fish-odor perfume may not be in vogue, but it did make a good meal for this hungry bird.
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Manatee County Commission tries to clarify sales surtax confusion

