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AQUATIC WARBLER AT STEART
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Aquatic Warbler ringed at Steart on 19/9/08 © Denise Wawman
BARRED WARBLER ON BREAN DOWN
Barred Warbler, Brean Down, 16 September 2008 © Paul Bowyer 2008
Not only did Paul Bowyer find this Barred Warbler on Brean Down, he managed to take these shots. Barred Warbler is a much sought after Somerset bird, and if it was refound (which is wasn't) it would have been a county tick for many!
WRYNECK AND DOTTEREL - QUALITY AUTUMN MIGRANTS!
Wryneck (top), Dunster Beach, 10/9/08 & Dotterel (lower), Dunkery Beacon, 9/9/08
Images © Brian Gibbs 2008
TWO PAIRS OF CATTLE EGRETS BREED IN SOMERSET
One of the recently fledged Cattle Egrets, Somerset (c) James Packer 2008
Cattle Egret in breeding plumage, Somerset (c) Jeff Hazell 2008
Last winter and early spring saw an unprecedented influx of Cattle Egrets into the South-West of England. There were a number of widely scattered records from Somerset and many of these individuals were long-stayers. This small heron, a cousin of the Little Egret, now quite common in southern England, has always been very rare in Britain.
The Somerset Ornithological Society is pleased to report that two pairs of Cattle Egrets subsequently bred in the County, rearing at least two young. As far as is known, this is the first time this species has been recorded breeding in the United Kingdom and, it is hoped, the event will prove a prelude to colonisation. For this reason, and to prevent possible disturbance, details of the breeding sites must remain secret.
Cattle Egrets, as their name implies, forage around herd animals in dryer habitats than other herons. They are familiar birds of the African plains, picking off insects disturbed by the passage of large animals such as Wildebeest, but in Somerset they are just as happy following Friesans, and will even hitch a ride on them.
Cattle Egrets have a wide global distribution, and have extended their range considerably in the 20th century. They are quite common in south-west Europe , particularly Spain and have been increasing in France. Over the past twenty years, the similar Little Egret has firmly established itself as a breeding species in England. Birdwatchers will welcome this first breeding record, and hope the Cattle Egret enjoys similar success, while others will no doubt see this event as yet another indicator of global warming.
Brian Hill
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