Popped over the moss as a minor detour on the way to the weekly shop this morning to have a look at the three Cattle Egrets, feeding away in a field full of sheep just past Worrall House Farm on the edge of Downholland Moss.
I've included the map link above for anyone who doesn't know the mosses too well, and as a kind of apology to the farm shop etc which will doubtless be sick of people asking them what everyone is looking at in the field next door by the end of the day.
The birds were doing what Cattle Egrets the world over do, running about amongst the livestock and probing the stubble for insects and tastier prey.
Admittedly they maybe the chickens/starlings of the heron world, but Cattle Egrets still have plenty of character and this trio is no exception.
I think this is the first "multiple" record for Lancs, but I'm not sure.
Presumably found by Derek Williams (aka "Downholland Man"), if it wasn't Derek, well done to whoever it was - they certainly brightened up a trek to the supermarket.
Apologies for the preponderance of sheep's backsides in these shots - it must be a strange view of the world Cattle Egrets get, and no mistake!
Big female Sparrowhawk whizzed through, spooking gulls and Starlings in the next door field, but the Cattle Egrets seemed fairly settled, flying short distances between the sheep once or twice, but otherwise looking like they hadn't a care in the world.
Lucky birds.
Three Buzzards over Dempsey Towers this morning and a few Redwings knocking about too.
Eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies...
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Frosty and sunny this morning on Crosby beach, with one Red Admiral and a Silver Y flying southwards over the dunes and a Ruby Tiger caterpillar galloping across the Prom.
Just 3 young Swallows today, flying around over the Crosby Baths metal roof and settling together on the edge to preen in the sunshine.
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