Bird Sighting: Great Egret

I was hoping to see this bird again and get photos but no such luck (yet).

On September 8th I saw a Great Egret (Ardea alba) flying low across the sky in the direction of NNE to SSW. [Note to self: Always take the camera!] My Kerr County Bird Guide says Great Egrets are "uncommon", meaning they are "present, but may not be seen."

The Great Egret is a very large, white heron with a long yellow bill, black legs, and a 55-inch wingspan. They nest in colonies with other species over water, feeding on fish, invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and small mammals.

Plume hunters in the late 1800s and early 1900s reduced North American populations by more than 95% but they have since recovered after the birds were protected by law.

The Great Egret is the symbol of the National Audubon Society, founded to protect birds from being killed for their feathers.