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Bird watchers from all across the North
West will be keen to learn about a new visitor to Pennington Flash, near
Leigh. All eyes are set on a very scarce feathered visitor to the UK’s
shores.
A Great White Egret has been spotted pruning its feathers at Pennington
Flash today in what is only the third ever sighting of the bird in
Greater Manchester, and certainly the first at the Flash. This species
has only been spotted in the North West of England a handful of times.
The Great White Egret (Ardea alba) is one of Europe’s most graceful
looking birds due to its impressive size (length 95cm, wingspan 155cm)
and pure white plumage. It could be mistaken for the equally white
Little Egret but is the size of a Grey Heron and has a longer, often
kinked neck, all yellow legs and feet. Its nearest breeding ground to
the UK is in the Netherlands.
A minimum of 2,500-5,000 pairs breed in Europe. Sightings are becoming
increasingly widespread in the wetlands of Eastern Europe, especially in
Hungary, the danube delta and the large colony at lake Neusiedl
(Austria) which holds over 500 pairs. In Western Europe, breeding pairs
can also be found in the Camargue (France) and Oostvaardersplassen
(Holland). In winter, the largest concentrations are found outside the
area in northern Israel but hundreds also remain in parts of Europe such
as Croatia.
The Great White Egret breeds in extensive areas of reeds, usually by
large shallow lakes or fishponds.
Interestingly, the slaughter of Egrets for their plumes lead to the
formation of the Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889 (in nearby
Didsbury, Manchester), it received a royal warrant 15 years later.
Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust Senior Ranger Peter Alker said:
“Sightings of the Great White Egret are nationally rare and are usually
in the South and East of England, so we are really excited for one to be
paying us a visit. It goes to show what a great environment Pennington
Flash is for all kinds of birds. We have recorded more than 230 species
of birds at Pennington and the list continues to grow. We always welcome
bird watchers to the Flash from near and far, and sightings such as this
help maintain the Park’s reputation as the best site for birds and bird
watching in Greater Manchester”.
For further information about Pennington Flash or the sighting of the
Great White Egret contact Peter Alker on 01942 605253. Alternatively
contact Ian McKerchar from Manchester Birding on 07958 687481 or
ian@mckerchar.freeserve.co.uk
www.manchesterbirding.com
-ends-
NOTES TO EDITORS: For further information on this press release please
contact Georgina Bentley, Marketing Manager on 01942 486930 or email
g.bentley@wlct.org
Photographs: The attached image shows the Great White Egret.
Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust: Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust is a
charitable trust working on behalf of Wigan Council to manage and
support leisure and cultural facilities, initiatives and events for over
300,000 residents in the Wigan Borough. See
www.wlct.org
Getting Wigan Active: Getting Wigan Active is Wigan Leisure and Culture
Trust’s vision to help people across the Wigan Borough to become more
physically, mentally and creatively active. It also aims to increase
community activity and to encourage good citizenship.
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