Any mention of Cleethorpes conjures up images of trippers, deck chairs, amusement arcades and candyfloss, but the seashore here is part of the Humber Estuary SSSI and includes a lot of good shore bird habitat, ranging from saltmarsh to muddy sediments that are important feeding sites for waders.
We watched this little egret catching small fish on the saltmarsh last week. They've been resident there for a few years now and it's remarkable how they have become a familiar element in the bird fauna, considering that not so long ago birders would have been jumping up and down with excitement at the sight of one of these exotic colonists. They are one of the good news stories for UK wildlife.
That's a beautiful shot of a Little Egret, Phil.
ReplyDeleteIt really is amazing how quickly they have established a significant presence in UK. I do believe, however, that this is probably as a result of something more sinister causing movements of wildlife populations, some of which will, inevitably, 'drop off the end'
It's strange that having just moved to Saudi Arabia from the NE, I have just been watching a Little Egret and Stonechats behind my house and wake up in the morning to the sound of Spuggys and Collard Doves, maybe I shouldn't have bothered moving!
ReplyDeleteGreat shot Phil. I have not noticed the purple behind the beak before.
ReplyDeleteI think you're right, Richard - there seems to be a general trend of southern species shifting their ranges northwards..
ReplyDeleteMind you, watty, it must be good to be able to watch them in a warmer climate...
ReplyDeleteNow you come to mention it, neither had I rob...
ReplyDelete