There was quite a long newspaper article (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/best_of_britain/article6893929.ece) about the colonisation of the UK by the Little egret (Egretta garzetta) from foreign parts. The claim was made (true) that one of the first places they successfully bred here was on Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour. What the story didn't mention is that that breeding group was decimated by Ravens (Corvus corax) which, as an endangered UK species, could not be touched. The 'foreigners' have presumably gone somewhere else to try to raise a family. There is no doubt that the Little egrets migration north continues at a pace. Groups of them forage near the Loughor bridge at low tide.
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Saturday, 31 October 2009
Egret Regret
There was quite a long newspaper article (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/best_of_britain/article6893929.ece) about the colonisation of the UK by the Little egret (Egretta garzetta) from foreign parts. The claim was made (true) that one of the first places they successfully bred here was on Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour. What the story didn't mention is that that breeding group was decimated by Ravens (Corvus corax) which, as an endangered UK species, could not be touched. The 'foreigners' have presumably gone somewhere else to try to raise a family. There is no doubt that the Little egrets migration north continues at a pace. Groups of them forage near the Loughor bridge at low tide.
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