The great egret (Egretta alba)
… is a short-distance and diurnal migrant
Egrets belong to the ciconiiformes family. The great egret (also known the great white heron) measures 85 – 100 cm in size, similar to the grey heron, and has a wing span of 143 – 169cm. It breeds in colonies in vast reeded areas, and is commonly found in Southern Europe, Africa and South Asia. In Central Europe, it has established itself as a regular guest. Its diet consists primarily of fish, but also inspects, amphibians, small mammals and molluscs (e.g. snails). While we have never seen it breeding here, 10 to 20 birds can often be observed paying visits to the meadows and the edge of the reeded areas.
For birdwatching you’ll get free of charge binoculars from Swarovski!
