This Great White Egret has been present for the past few days at Eldernell, part of the RSPB`s reserve on the Nene Washes. It is showing signs of being in breeding plumage, having a black bill instead of the yellow bill which it sports in the winter. The definite `kink` in the neck is an identification hint when confused with a Little Egret, although the size of the bird should negate that problem on its own. This bird is about the same size as a Grey Heron.
The Great White Egret is a bird that used to be seriously rare in Britain with less than a dozen birds reported from 1825 - 1975. This has increased somewhat with 25 birds being reported annually since 2000, although, as far as I am aware they have not bred in this country as yet, but surely colonisation is just a matter of time?
A very nice addition to my PBC year list, which is going along quite nicely with the addition of Raven, Whinchat and also Red Knot to hit the heady heights of 160.
As a postscript, I have just noticed that in the second photo there is something in the bill of the Egret, I assume a prey item of some sort, although the photo is too blurry to see what it is! If you click on the photo you can clearly see something in its` bill, although not that clearly! I really must become more observant!
Nice one to add to your year list John. The last time I saw one in the UK was 1993 at Cley Marshes on a very wet, windy day!
ReplyDeleteHi Frank,
DeleteThank you, yes a very nice bird, although I have been quite lucky with this species as I have have it on my last 2 year lists!
J
Greetings John,
ReplyDeleteIt has been quite the time since I left a comment on your wondrous site. My apologies for my absence.
The Great White Egret is indeed a magnificent looking bird and it's encouraging to know that there has been an increase in the sightings.
Informative, with excellent photos, as per usual.
In kindness and positive wishes, your way, Gary
Hi Gary,
DeleteThank you for your kind and positive words, as always. Apologies are not necessary my friend, I know what you have been going through just lately.
J
Beautiful bird, and you were lucky to see one with the small amount of reported sightings.
ReplyDeleteHi Gillian,
DeleteYes, a beautiful bird and I am lucky in having friends that let me know when and where the birds are!
J
Superb shots John and as you say a nice addition to your PBC year list.
ReplyDeleteHi Roy,
DeleteThank you. Yes, a nice addition to any list.
J
Lovely looking bird though I wouldn't like to be on the receiving end of that long pointed bill.
ReplyDeleteHi John,
DeleteYes, a magnificent bird. I don`t think that the animals he catches know much about being on the receiving end!
J
Terrific Bird,superb captures.
ReplyDeleteJohn.
Thanks John, too kind.
DeleteJ
A great addition John! I've never seen one, it doesn't seem very long since I was thrilled to see my first Little Egret.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, if you do get the time I definitely second Bazza's recommendation of the BBC Radio 4 play. I think it's only available on Iplayer until Monday.
Thank you Jan. Yes, it does seem unbelievable that the Little Egret used to be the same status as the Great White, in a few years maybe we will get used to seeing Great White Egrets everywhere!
DeleteI have listened to the play, a good listen and very sobering to us all living today.
J
Je n'egret rien! Geddit?
ReplyDeleteClick here for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Very good Bazza, `Egrets, I`ve had a few!`
DeleteJ
But then again, too few to mention?
DeleteBy the way, I'm glad you managed to hear the play.
I don`t know about too few!
DeleteThe play was very very humbling, in my opinion! Thanks for the recommendation.
J
I don't think it can be possible to ever get tired of egrets, do you think? I used to see them a lot when I spent time on Long Island, but no more, so I'm very glad to see them here!
ReplyDeleteHi Susan,
DeleteNo, such elegant birds. Little Egrets are fairly `common` in my area, but it is still a pleasure to see them.
J
Hi John,
ReplyDeleteIt's such a good idea to remind us readers what the heart of your blog is about. I should try to come up with an idea for that on The Snee. Two years went by, and it's easy to forget why I started blogging in the first place.
BTW, did I ever mention that we have a small artsy town named Peterborough in New Hampshire? It's coincidentally a big birding area. Happy Twitching to you!
Hi Rebecca,
ReplyDeleteI am not quite sure what my blog is about at times!? ;) I suppose it`s just an insight into the mind of a fairly obsessed local birdwatcher!
Thanks for the kind words,
J
Great sighting John. Your year list is looking impressive.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mike, yes, we have had a good year so far, all set up nicely to fail miserably at the last hurdle!
DeleteJ
We have little egrets on the tidal mud flats not far from here. They are such a beautiful sight when they are up in the trees in the evening. Great white egrets haven't seen any but we do have lots of herons maybe I need to look a little closer. Lovely photos.
ReplyDeleteHi cuby poet,
DeleteLittle Egrets are certainly getting to be seen more and more, it wasn`t that long ago that they were a rare bird. The Great White`s are still in the rare category, but becoming more annual. They are the size of Grey Herons, but all white, you never know, one of your Grey`s may be White! ;)
J