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Well, here are some nature notes I never thought I'd be writing!!
I happened to be at the Rec recently (19th January) when I spotted a white shape moving in the distance. I initially thought it must be a large seagull, but its posture and the way it moved didn't seem quite right. It was only when I got closer that I realised it was actually a Little Egret, which has the wonderful scientific name of Egretta garzetta. Egretta is the diminutive of the French word for heron, Aigron, and garzetta comes from the Italian name for this particular bird. A truly cosmopolitan avian visitor.
Egrets favour wetland habitats, and for once the soggy conditions at the Rec, that cause problems for most of us park users, delivered dividends. This is one of 3 species of egrets that have become established in this country over the past 30 years. The others being the Great White Egret (Ardea alba) and the Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis).
These birds became highly endangered at the turn of the 19th century because of the fashion for their feathers in women's hats. They were killed in their hundreds of thousands, until a group of women, led by Etta Lemon, campaigned to have them protected. Their efforts ultimately led to the foundation of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). Little could she have suspected that the egrets would make such a spectacular comeback, let alone establish a breeding population in this country!
This small member of the heron family is elegant when seen striding out across the grass, with its long neck and legs. However, when stood motionless, it adopts the posture typical of all herons. Its hunched shoulders, and drawn down neck. give it the appearance of some cold, disgruntled individual, fed up at having just missed their bus!! Actually, it's either resting, or if standing in shallow water, quietly awaiting the arrival of prey. Should an unfortunate tasty treat swim by, the bird will extend its neck in a lightening fast motion and grab it with its long, sharp beak. Although in fact the Little Egret is more of an active forager, stepping out in a slow, measured fashion, scanning the water or ground at its feet for a suitable morsel, and then using the same swift, stabbing or grabbing movement. Other hunting strategies have also been observed, such as stirring up the water or swaying side to side; so this species is nothing if not adaptable, which has undoubtedly contributed to its recent success. 'Our' egret certainly found some tasty morsels in the mud and standing water at the Rec.
The Little Egret, as its name suggests, is the smallest of the 3 species found in this country: they are abut 60cms in length, with a wingspan of around 90cms.Their feathers are snowy white, and they have a black bill, and yellow feet.....not always obvious when they've been stomping through mud. During the breeding season, the adult has 2 long plumes at the nape of its neck and these were particularly favoured by the millinery trade. It's undoubtedly a handsome, elegant bird and a welcome addition to our fauna. But its presence as an expanding, breeding population is yet another indication of our warming climate. And for every success such as the Little Egret, there are undoubtedly a number of losers.
But whilst conservation organisations plan how to mitigate the worst effects of Climate Change, and we all do what we can to reduce our own carbon footprint, let's celebrate this beautiful visitor and hope that it pays us a return visit sometime soon.