Natural England confirms a second great white egret nest
11 July 2012
More egret success at Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve in Somerset, as staff confirm a successful second nest.
Natural England staff have confirmed a second nest has hatched another great white egret chick. This follows three chicks fledging from June’s nesting attempt; the large, heron-like bird had not successfully bred in Britain until this year.
Natural England’s project officer for the species, Kevin Anderson said; “This species has never bred in Britain before - to have two successful nests in the first breeding year is remarkable.”
Volunteers have kept up 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 a record season for its most exotic new breeding bird.
