We had good, though distant views of A Great White Egret in the fields alongside the River Severn in Llandrinio today, but were then saddened to come across a dead bird in the same area. It lay directly under powerlines, so we can only assume it may well have flown into them.
Thanks Sue. I wonder who decided to add the 'White' to the official name and why. Throughout the rest of the world they have always been known as Great Egret, which has always seemed quite adequate. I shall continue to call them Great Egrets, at least when I'm not writing official reports!
ReplyDeleteMaybe, Simon, it's because this side of the Atlantic, of the 4 sub-species found Worldwide, ours is Ardea alba alba. The Americans have A. a. egretta.
ReplyDeleteOr, my personal theory, on seeing one, as they are a bit special, it's "Great! White Egret".
Thanks Simon and Chris - you've both got me thinking about the name, and I've learnt quite a bit as a result of your comments!
ReplyDelete2 (alive) Great Egrets there yesterday. One flying along the river, and the other feeding in the cattle field - next to where the dead one is.
ReplyDeleteThat's great Paul. I agree with Chris - "Great! White Egrets"
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