First Cattle Egret for the Observatory........nevertheless, anticipated!

Some light overnight showers followed by an heavy early morning shower, a few more showers during the day. A light south wind

Cattle Egret 4 - after an influx further south two days ago, Pete advised:

Serious consideration needs to be given to the egret gang the other side of the road at Imperial road roundabout.  Massive cattle egret influx eg 14 Conder pool this afternoon which then dispersed.  They do mix when loafing

So I checked yesterday morning (Malcolm). 14 Egrets, all Little, but on checking this morning 12 Little Egret and 4 Cattle Egret. It is nice when a plan works out!

This is a location shot, just to the NE of Imperial Rd roundabout on the bypass (Bay gateway)

They seemed to be finding plenty to eat

They are all in this clip.

I left them to it, Pete put the news out and Shaun arrived just in time to see all the egrets lifted by something. The Little Egrets settled nearby but the four Cattle Egret continued west over the recording area, and couldn't be relocated afterwards.

Also at Imperial Rd

Mute Swan 2

Shelduck 2

Buzzard 1

Kestrel 1

A fine buck Roe Deer, still with velvet on his antlers 

Pale-bellied Brent goose 7 (5 + 2) on Red Nab at high water.

The group of 5 moved closer inshore, partly to have a drink from the freshwater runoff......

........but the gutweed is lusher closer in too

Just out of the recording area - horse paddock behind Middleton Parish Hall

Glossy Ibis seen in the morning and afternoon