Great White Egret

A Great White Egret has been wintering at Pitsford Reservoir and has recently been joined by a second. In that we'd never seen one, this was a 2 for 1 offer we couldn't refuse. The plan was to fit in a visit before going out for a meal and then going to see The King's Speech this evening with friends.

So we left home just after seven and by half eight we were on the causeway that crosses the reservoir and it wasn't too long before we spotted the birds. We moved the car to be closer to them, and though they were still a long way off we had good views and snapped away even though the light was pretty poor.

Eventually they flew off out of sight up one of the long arms of the reservoir and we settled down awaiting their return and giving the other birds our attention. All the usual suspects were there, the pick of the crop being Smew, Goosander and Little Egret. The Great Whites hadn't reappeared by ten and as the chilly weather wasn't improving we decided enough was enough and headed home. A good mornings bird watching, hopefully to be followed by a good evenings socialising, might even be able to fit in a precautionary nap this afternoon.

Don't try Large, it's already at pixel level - that's how far away they were.

Of course RedCoatedBirder got in on the act too.