Great white egret

I'm interested in how great white egrets are becoming more common nowadays. The RSPB Birds of Britain and Northern Europe (2011) says that their range is southern Europe, Africa and Middle East. I saw one in Oare Marshes, Thames Estuary, Kent last week. Are they rare, or are they becoming increasingly common? Perhaps this is a sign of climate change? Any thoughts as to why they are increasing would be greatly appreciated.

Kind regards

  • Hi Callum, here are some facts from BTO ... just one of a great number of fact sheets on Google

    www.bto.org/.../great-white-egret

    Good to know that you have seen one locally recently, not too far from me in Thanet!

     

     2013 photos & vids here

    eff37 on Flickr

  • We have been to Coombe Abbey park today in Warwickshire  we saw 2 great regrets 6 or 7 little regrets, that was the first great egret I'd seen in this country .

  • Great White Egrets bred and nested successfully in North East England in 2023 and possibly 2024! Also Cattle Egret are now breeding and nesting in some area’s!

    Regards,

    Ian.

  • I’ve just seen this at a beach in Seaton Carew north East England - just after the storm - can anyone identify?

  • Did you know that a pair of Great White Egrets bred/nested and had young in North East England in 2023 and possibly 2024, but not at Seaton Carew as far as  I know! But I may be wrong!

    Regards,

    Ian.

  • Trying to show scale of size excuse video quality!