The lovely Cattle Egret - Bubulcus ibis – is a small member of the Heron family fairly new to the UK, first reported to have bred in Britain in 2008, but which is becoming an increasingly common sight. Slightly smaller than the Little Egret, they have orange-yellow feathers on the crown, back and chest which are visible from spring through to autumn and a yellow bill which turns a brighter red-orange colour in breeding season. They can most often be seen close to cows and other grazing animals where they follow the animals around feeding on the insects and other creatures they disturb. This was one of a group of half a dozen seen following a herd of cattle grazing just outside Martin Mere Wetlands.
Explore No 219, July 02, 2024

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