By observing the egrets breeding habits for several years I have learned that not just "any stick" will do. It has to be a certain size to fit the nest. The egrets have meticulous ways of building their nests and raising their chicks. Humans could learn a lot from them.
In this photo you can see the interest of the female as the male brings the stick to the nest. She appears to be in a dialog with him. If only I knew "egret language".