A Great White Egret dropped into the wetlands here at Campfield on 22nd October.
It is now over three years ago since a similar event occurred when that one graced us with its presence from 1/11/11 to 6/4/12 - five months altogether. What wonderful viewings it afforded us, as it frequented the Saltmarsh Pool and creeks beyond; the Meadow Pools and wetland areas around the hide - with their shallow pools and reed beds.
It could be seen trampling with its large feet, to disturb frogs and other small amphibians. In doing so it was always accompanied by a band of Grey Herons who took advantage of this activity. Teal and Wigeon would also excitedly follow too, but they stayed at a respectful distance, out of range of that dagger-like beak and snake-like neck, as it was obvious that this was a formidable predator.
Previous sightings from the Winter of 2011/12
Great White with Wigeon and Teal in attendance - 3rd November 2011.
Hunting on the saltmarsh - 19th January 2012.
Flying onto the wetland - 21st February 2012.
Fishing in the shallow pools on the wetlands - 14th February 2012.
However, to get back to recent events: on 22nd October 2015 at 2.40 pm, one was spotted from the hide, in a shallow reeded area in front of the wood. There was obviously a good supply of food there, as it was feeding most vigorously.
Having heard this news, we were on the lookout for it . . . and two days later spotted it quietly hunting, in presumably the same spot on the wetlands. This time there was a small group of 5 Whooper Swans resting nearby and when they took off in a westerly direction late afternoon, flying immediately over it - it decided to take to the air too and flew straight over the hide - swinging round and down the Lonning in the process.
Sightings - 24th October 2015.
Great White on the wetlands to the RHS of the hide . .
. . . finding plenty of food.
Flying over the hide.
Family group of Whoopers beyond hide pool.
. . . and taking off over the wetlands.
It landed in amongst the dense reeds just south of the 1st Meadow Pool. At first it was hardly detectable but a small head could be seen intermittently appearing above the reeds. The real give-away, though, was when a couple of Grey Herons landed nearby. This severely challenged it to moving more out into the open. Was able to get a few photos of them through the small gaps in the screen there.
Great White in the reed bed - Meadow Pools . . .
. . . where it was hunting.
Two Grey Herons landing . . .
. . . and they soon started fishing nearby.
Let’s hope that this Great White stays for a while too!
Incidentally, the Whooper Swan numbers have increased to 29 at the latest count this evening.