Little Egret

Despite getting common, I still like seeing these - especially up close in good light. This bird wintering along the River Lea in northern part of Luton

Herons in the centre in of Luton

Although regularly recorded in the northern parts of Luton on the quieter streams that make the headwaters of the River Lea (three overwinterered last year), this is the first encounter I have had with Little Egret in the open amongst people taking their walks and chucking out their unwanted bread in Wardown Park. This individual represented a new species on the WEBS count list for the site on Sunday. Meanwhile his larger cousin was keeping out of the way in the higher boughs of a willow.

River Lea Luton

Walking along the river through the northern suburbs of Luton in winter as part of the Duck Hunt revealed three Little Egrets again this year. Plenty of walkers around this area means the birds are familiar to humans and allow closer approach than may be normal elsewhere in the county. Three Kingfishers, a Water Rail and wintering Little Grebe again in Wardown Park added to my tally but no snipe sp this year though there have been a couple recently.

Congregation of egrets

Looking at the preacher ? East Hyde, 20th April 2010

Lesser Spot from the Archives. Litte Owl and Little Egret Feb 08

Male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker April 07 Swiss Gardens

Little Owl Old warden. 1 February 08

Little Egrets Priory CP 2 February 08. 2 birds showing well on the finger lakes for 30 miutes before taking flight.Diffficult to photorgaph in the afternoon light.

Little Egret

Another shot of JL's bird as it exercised after preening.

Little Egret

Dunstable W. R. 26/11/07

Little Egrets at Octagon

There were six Little Egrets between Octagon Farm and Meadow Lane this morning. The bottom image is a juvenile taken at Meadow Lane. 21st July 2007 by Steve Blain.

Little Egret at Broom

The Little Egret looking only mildly concerned at the sight of me, before being terrified by Mr Ball looming into view.. :-) Martin Green

Visited Broom with Martin Green on Sunday, but no sign of the Lesser Emperor. Three Little Egrets and then a single flew over, and as we were leaving we had a quick look at the settling lagoon and one of them (or another) flew in again. We walked down behind the bank and looked over to find ourselves dead level with it, so I let Martin have a go at some shots before looking over again. The two of our heads were too much for it and it wisely legged it. None of my shots were that brilliant, but I had fun making them up into a photomontage:

How to flush a Little Egret (1). At the bottom left it's just spotted Ball and Green and is thinking 'Chuffing heck, I'm outta here!'...

How to flush a Little Egret (2). ..gaining height, it circles round...

How to flush a Little Egret (3). ...before coming over for another look...

How to flush a Little Egret (4). ...and not liking what it sees, finally legs it...

This is a more sensible shot of one flying in to the Lesser Emperor pool earlier...

...and another as it glides in to land.

Seven Egberts at Broom

Flew NW at Broom 0650hrs this morning.

A trio of Little Egrets

The habitat in Coronation ClP this summer was fantastic for these delightful small herons. Here are three juvenile Little Egrets, 3rd August 2006 by Steve Blain