After being run aground in the turbid shallows of winter for the past couple of weeks, it was a pleasure to set out once again on a quest for beauty and rarity. Certain white birds have been seen in the vicinity of Swavesey church which, just a few years ago would have been very rare indeed. Even when you know where to look they can still be elusive, as we concluded this morning. No sign of them.
No matter, we can go on to Fen Drayton Lakes bird reserve instead, where a short stroll from the car park brings you opposite the Old Ferry Boat Inn, just one of many pubs claiming to be the oldest in England. Most of what you see is seventeenth century, though some parts are older. The main problem with the Old Ferry Boat Inn is that the old ferry boat itself hasn't run for many decades!
That superb little duck is a Smew, it's not the bird we were looking for earlier but it's still a far from common bird, perhaps a few hundred of them visit these islands in winter, but seven of them have been seen here recently. Lets go and find them.
We did see them, though very distantly, so we thought we'd walk around the small lake for a closer view. This fisherman cheerfully told us that he'd been there since before daylight and had just caught his first fish - we sort of knew how he felt. We did get a bit closer view of the Smew as well as many other birds, the sun shone and Song Thrushes were tentatively singing a few notes in readiness for Spring. Life's not so bad. We were heading for home when my brother Les said, "Lets go by Swavesey church again on the way back."
And there beside an old wall were four Cattle Egrets, with another four close by. According to the latest figures published by the British Trust For Ornithology, between 10 and 100 of these birds visit Britain in most years. There seem to be more about this year than ever, but it's still a surprise to find eight in a small field near a village road.
Although they are called Cattle Egrets they're just as happy associating with sheep or horses. Just as I was starting to take photos however, one, and then another, took to the wing. I did my best...
All was not lost though as they touched down in a paddock on the opposite side of the road...
I rather wished they'd lingered among the Aconites for a while longer; it would have made a pretty picture. Would you like to see a Cattle Egret eat its lunch? It's not so pretty as the flowers.....
"There'll be a nice snack around here somewhere, I'm sure".
Take care.
Oh the white birds are so pretty. Good to see you capture them too!
ReplyDeleteLove the one with aconites - and as to the food - each to his own I say
ReplyDeleteYour lucky to see them, I have only ever seen one egret and that was across a filed.
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed that the aconites are flowering - we won't see them till mid March at best.
ReplyDeleteLove seeing the egrets there. We see the Great Egret here and sometimes the Cattle Egrets in the cow pastures. I would LOVE to see a Smew. What a little beauty.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos, John.
What a WONDERFUL outing.
ReplyDeleteBoth the Smew and the Cattle Egret are new to me, and not seen here. Thank you for sharing their beauty.
I have seen but one Smew in my life, an immature male that somehow made its way to Oshawa, ON a few winters ago, but high on my wish list is to see the wonderfully patterned adult male. Whether I ever will is a whole other question!
ReplyDeleteSuch fascinating birds. So elegant.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice surprise! Glad to see you out again.
ReplyDeleteGreat captures. Such a wonderful find. Worm or snake, a dining photo is a treasure.
ReplyDeleteNice capture of the egret eating the snake!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of the Cattle Egrets. It is noticeable that the population of Little Egrets has built up over the last few years around here. They are lovely to see:)
ReplyDeleteHi John - the Smew is an interesting bird ... while the cattle egrets you've captured so well ... bet that's a lovely warm wall for them to be near. So pleased you had such a happy successful walk ... and thanks for the photos - delighted to see them. Cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteAbsolute fun following the egret searching for dinner. Awesome captures! And the Smew...I have never seen one or even heard of. Lovely creatures. Kind of look like they are put together mosaic-like.
ReplyDelete"Cracked porcelain" is a description that's frequently used.
DeleteOh, your pictures were wonderful. I loved the inflight photos...
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of the Smew...it sure is a beautiful duck.
I have never heard of or seen a smew. They do look beautiful. That group of four cattle egrets makes a good photo. They look like sentries on duty.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful captures of these beautiful birds, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete“The turgid shallows of winter” made me laugh! Good description of the last few days here,too. I could add a white bird species to your list as we stopped the car this morning to appreciate a group of tundra swans cross the sky with their magnificent outstretched necks and streamlined bodies.
ReplyDeleteThe egret and sheep seem amicable.
ReplyDeleteLovely set of birds. I've been busy caring or daughter and family. New granddaughter arrived this week. Parents are asleep now and Dan is holding the bay as she sleeps. Her older sister having quiet time which I hope will include a nap too.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos and fun text. It must be nice to see the sun for birds and humans. WE are having beautiful sunny warm days at the moment.
ReplyDeleteWhat a treat to see these birds. You did a great job photographing them.
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful flying in the air. Always a treat to see a bird we're not expecting to see.
ReplyDelete