Birdwatch News Archive

One of the breeding plumaged adult Great Egrets at Shapwick Heath earlier in the year; a second nest has now produced at least one chick. Photo: Mike Hannon (Natural England).

A great addition

Posted on: 11 Jul 2012

A second Great Egret nest at Shapwick Heath NNR in Somerset has successfully produced a chick.

Natural England staff have confirmed a second Great Egret nest on the western edge of the reserve, believed to belong to an additional pair to the initial breeders, has hatched another chick. This follows three chicks fledging from June's previously announced nesting attempt; the species had never successfully bred in Britain until this year.

Natural England's project officer for the species, Kevin Anderson said: "Great Egret has never bred in Britain before, so to have two successful nests in the first-ever breeding year is remarkable."

Volunteers have continued to keep a round-the-clock vigil to ensure that both nests have not been disturbed. Kevin added: "We'd like to thank our volunteers for their commitment and determination, especially during the continued wet weather – they've been brilliant."

With another chick to keep an eye on, the volunteering effort will continue throughout July. The hope is that the new arrival will have successfully fledged within a few weeks and that Shapwick will soon be able to confirm another successful fledging of this rare and exotic new breeding bird.