It would appear that we have lost the last Little Egret that visits Spooner Row at this time of year.
During my walk his morning I came across a small group of solid white feathers and then further along, some 4 meters, a much larger circle of feathers. This spread is typical of a Buzzard, in that the first is where the Egret was likely taken or landed, whilst the second is the “safe place” where the Buzzard will feed or prepare for its young.
I have seen a pair of Buzzards recently working the railway line from the centre of the village to the automatic crossing on Suton Lane, so it appears that the Egret has had the misfortune of returning to an area now occupied by Buzzards.
Little Egrets have visited Spooner Row for a number of years, sometimes as a pair and in one year even returning with young but for the last few years I have seen only a solitary bird. I fear that we will not see Little Egrets in Spooner Row again.
Perhaps we should encourage areas that support Buzzards. Birds of Prey are often persucuted and yes this is very sad but I would be very much against any suggestion that puts one at risk , to say nothing of the fact that it would be illegal
Wow that’s great, we all have time on our hands now to observe the wildlife.so let’s see what’s really lurking in our gardens! Also don’t tidy your gardens too much as the bugs love a home.Time to get planting some more pollinatinog plants.
Its not all doom and gloom ,our outside spaces are wonderful places .All our birds if not already are looking for their next nest.
