My daily walk allows me distant views of "The Flash" close to the High School in Welshpool. 200 yards north of the school, in a small copse amongst an estate of houses a Heronry has appeared in the last 10 years - I surmise as a result of translocation from the former site at Buttington Brickworks. I suspect there are no more than 5 pairs. Today, as I watched the activity at the Flash, a Little Egret got up and flew the short distance to the Heronry, before disappearing into the trees.
That was all I saw, but it raises the possibility of breeding, so if others have better views from their incarcerated positions we may get more evidence. Perhaps Simon can let us know the breeding status in Montgomeryshire.
That's a quiz question Chris: I had to phone a friend! Mike tells me Little Egrets have nested at Ynys Hir, just over the border in Ceredigion, since 2004, but Little Egrets actually breeding in Welshpool (if confirmed) would appear to be a FIRST RECORD FOR MONTGOMERYSHIRE. As for the heron numbers, Dave Eakins has counted 28 occupied nests this spring (judging from eggshells and droppings under trees) compared with 31 nests in 2019. So this particular colony has expanded rapidly in a few years.
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed with that number of nests, as from the top of the hill behind the colony only 4 or 5 are visible, so that's good to know. Does Dave live close by to check out the Little Egret, or will we have to wait until after a Coronavirus immunisation is available!?
ReplyDeleteDave lives very close. I've asked him to keep an eye open for egrets and to let me know.
DeleteLittle Egret seen again this morning flying into the wood.
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