Now that the matter of the egrets has been raised, a fuller account is as follows. I think I was first in position in the hide so conveniently named “Cygnus” by Harvey Perkins so many years ago, when a single egret flew into view, resting and warming itself in the faint sunshine, this being immediately recognisable as an Intermediate by the prominent breast-plumes. Soon after I was joined by an overseas visitor (OV) to whom I pointed out the egret and explained the difference from the Great, which he digested, consulting the guide in his smart-phone at the same time. Rather later, a Great was seen flying past in the distance. Perhaps a half-hour later a second egret made a pass over the first, which took flight, and eventually settled in a tree in the company of the newcomer. “Now”, I said, “we have an excellent opportunity to compare the two species”. In so saying, I misled not only the OV but Lindell, who had arrived at about that time, because after a few minutes the OV interjected: “Hang on, I think that second egret is also an Intermediate”. And so it proved: later egrets are not always what you might assume the to be. “Well done”, I commended warmly, “nothing more I can tell you about the subject”. At that time the GE was out the back in BTNH-land, consorting with a White-faced Heron.
From: Ian Fraser [
Sent: Friday, 19 October 2012 4:57 PM
Cc: 'Canberra Birds'
Subject: Re: [canberrabirds] Kellys Swamp - Aus. Little Bittern, Intermediate Egret
Thanks Steve. There were two Intermediates together for a while at around that time.
cheers
Ian
On 19/10/2012 16:49, Steve Holliday wrote:
The Little Bittern was still around this morning, being seen at about 10am from Ardea Hide. It soon moved on but was found again in the reed beds next to Bittern hide.
Also present an Intermediate Egret with breeding plumes and one Great Egret. A third egret went unidentified (at least by me).
Steve
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