The watery areas of Big Cypress National Preserve attract colorful flocks of long-legged wading birds that sweep across shallow wetlands stalking prey, while other waterbirds dive below the surface to search for food. Anhingas dive deep and swim underwater to spear prey, then after resurfacing with a fish on the bill, slide it to the tip, flip it into the air, and swallow it head first; they are often seen perching with their feathers spread to use the sun's rays to warm their bodies. Snowy egrets were extensively hunted in the late 1800s for their aigrette feathers during the plume trade, when the feathers decorated fashionable ladies' hats, and they use their bright yellow feet to attract fish while wading. White ibises feed sewing-machine style, using their long red decurved bills to probe mud and water for snails and crayfish by touch, often leaving closely spaced mud holes behind. Visitors are urged to avoid disrupting birds' natural behavior, not to disturb nesting birds whose eggs or chicks may be left vulnerable to extreme temperatures or predators, not to feed birds, and to view birds and other wildlife from trails and viewing platforms along the Tamiami Trail.