The Wildlife of
Druridge Pools

 
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Herons, Egrets, Cranes and Bitterns - The Great White Egret

First seen on Thursday 17th September 2020 at Druridge Pools

The Great White Egret, as its name suggests is a very large bird. It stands about 100cm tall and can have a wing span up to about 170cm (over 5 feet). They are not seen very often so it can be quite a spectacular sight when flying around, with their huge wings and long legs dangling behind. They tend to be a winter visitor, although they are starting to breed here (in small numbers) in the south of the UK. As well as its huge size, the other good way to identify it is its very yellow bill and black legs and feet.


 

They are usually found singly, so it is unusual to see four flying together. These flew over Druridge, heading north (but didn't stop unfortunately).