The great white egret, a species of heron, has nested for the first time in Britain, according to wildlife organisations. The nest site, at Shapwick Heath, in Somerset, is being monitored by staff and volunteers from Natural England, the RSPB and Somerset Ornithological Society. Activity on the site strongly suggests that the birds may already have young, however … [Read more...] about Great white egret nests in Somerset, UK
Heron
Bittern numbers recovering according to research
Britain’s loudest bird, once extinct in the UK, has enjoyed its best year since records began, according to a new survey by the RSPB and Natural England. The bittern, a threatened relative of the more familiar grey heron, has seen its population rise over the last 15 years from 11 males in 1997 to 104 this year. Last year the survey revealed 87 males. 82 males were … [Read more...] about Bittern numbers recovering according to research
Heron fishing as river thaws
Our local Heron grabs a chance to feed as the icy waters of the Eden start to flow again. Over four weeks of below freezing temperatures resulted in our rivers freezing over for the first time in many years. Waterside wildlife such as this heron will have struggled to feed during this time, so the the last 24 hours of thaw have been a welcome break for birds and … [Read more...] about Heron fishing as river thaws
Big Garden Bird Watch is 30
2009 sees the 30th birthday of the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, the world's biggest bird survey, providing a vital snapshot of the UK's birds each winter. … [Read more...] about Big Garden Bird Watch is 30