Is It an Egret or a Heron?

The great egret is a member of the heron family.  The great egret is also known as a great heron. At any rate, it's the first time I've seen one in the field by the ocean. For awhile it was stalking something in the tall tawny grass, but when I looked again, there it was at the top of a twisty tree. In my enthusiasm for birds, I got separated from the walking group and ended up on my own meander.