How times have changed? About 30 years I got up early in the morning and drove to Rutland Water to see my first ever Little Egret, a rare migrant in those days. Now, presumably due to global warming, they are extending their range northwards and are common everywhere, outnumbering Grey Herons in most places. This one was taken at Abberton Reservoir. Just look at those yellow feet!!
Now Great White Egrets are getting in on the act and have been appearing in ever-increasing numbers and starting to breed in the UK. This time it is the bill that is a stunning crocus colour.
No yellow feet here.
And the same goes for the extraordinary Spoonbill which has been a rare migrant for decades but now appearing more frequently and has been breeding for the last eight years or so. These two Spoonbills are currently at Abberton, but are not always so cooperative. Sometimes they go to sleep for extended periods, sometimes hidden. But today all was well as they were wide awake and ready for a feed when we arrived.
I just love they way they feed by swishing their open bill sideways through the water hoping for a bite.
This little tiddler got away.
Eventually they stopped feeding allowing the full extent of their odd bill to be appreciated.
Then time for a rest to let all that fish go down.
They were very settled but were disturbed by an enormous Eddie Stobart lorry which stopped briefly on the road. They flew off down the reservoir, but were quick to return to their favourite spot.
And one thing you can be sure of is that Spoonbills certainly enjoy a joke.
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