Friday 17 April 2020

On this day (April 17th)... in 2019 - Cattle Egret

It's only 12 months to the day that I caught up with the long staying Ellesmere Cattle Egret...

Since first being seen on the 28th December last year, a Cattle Egret has been wandering around the Ellesmere area. Having seen it roost on the Mere and with limited photo opportunities, I'd ignored it ever since... Today I decided to check the Meres again and called in at Ellesmere Marina...

A 'last to first' post... Here's how the session ended, distant but true to character...



And here's how the day started with the Cattle Egret unexpectedly dropping into a nearby field...




On the prowl, constantly catching flies!


Plumes looking pretty amazing!






The Egret then walked away, out of view for about 30 minutes before flying back into the field...






Fortunately, I'd stayed behind a bit of cover :-)




As it showed off its amazing designer plumage, with a ruffle!




Before wandering off to join the distant cows!