Compared to earlier in the breeding season, late summer can be a subdued time for birders. Neotropical songbirds are less conspicuous, having stopped singing and displaying over territories and mates. They are concentrating instead on fattening themselves up for migration. Birds are dispersing from nesting areas, making it harder to predict their whereabouts.

Water birds are easier to find, however, because of their ties to this habitat. This is what makes late summer and early fall a good time to see them. Shorebirds that breed in the Arctic are already on the move and passing through our area on their way south. Others, such as the great egret, simply disperse far from their birthplaces before actually migrating, turning up unexpectedly in any wetland or body of water. Such is the case with the great egret, which has been seen in Orono, Bangor, and Hampden over the last few weeks.

The great egret is an uncommon sight in Maine, as well as a rare breeder in this state. There is only one breeding colony that I know of, which is located on Stratton Island. Instead of hanging around or even beginning their migration south for the winter, juvenile great egrets often disperse north of their natal areas throughout late June to October.

Recently one appeared in the wetland near the University of Maine’s Witter Farm, in Orono. Edward Grew, professor of geological sciences at the university and an avid birder, was there to see it. It was obviously the highlight of the morning’s birding.

He observed it making forays from its perch in a dead tree into the marsh for prey.

“This egret is hard to miss – its white coloration and considerable size catches the eye – they are graceful fliers,” Grew said admiringly.

This egret certainly is substantial, growing to more than three feet tall and having a wingspan of more than four feet. Its diet is diverse and includes small fish, frogs, and even small mammals. This opportunism has enabled this bird to occupy both freshwater and marine wetlands throughout the world.

It has also enabled it to rebound from near extinction. In North America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the long, delicate feathers of this bird’s breeding plumage became all the rage for the day’s fashion. The birds were nearly decimated so their feathers could decorate ladies’ hats.

Laws and environmental organizations sprang up to halt the senseless destruction, and the then fledgling National Audubon Society adopted its image as a symbol for its organization and mission of conservation.

Today, the great egret is thriving but threats to its well-being still exist. Habitat degradation is among the most serious of these threats. Wetland conservation is important not only for breeding birds but also for dispersal and migratory stopover sites.

Speaking of migratory stopover sites: At 5:30 on Wednesday, Aug. 25, Maine Audubon chapter members will lead a trip to one such site to identify migrating inland sandpipers. Call the Fields Pond Nature Center at 989-2591 for more information.

NEWS bird columnist Chris Corio can be reached at bdnsports@bangordailynews.net