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Tuesday 27 September 2016

Great White Egret, near Reenard

Great White Egret, Ardcost Cross, near Reenard, 27th September 2016 (Michael O'Clery).

Initially glimpsed from a moving car while passing over a small bridge, a screeching halt, an unconventional and probably illegal reversing manouvre and a rapid deployment of binoculars revealed the striking and unexpected sight of Kerry's fifth Great White Egret quietly feeding in a small creek. 

Our version of 'fast parking' on the narrow road might well have been interpreted as 'abandonment of vehicle' in legal circles. Nevertheless, these record photos were quickly taken before returning to the car for The Big Lens, Canon's 500mm equivalent of heavy artillery, but by the time myself and Eric (Dempsey) got back to the bridge on foot, the bird had flown. We saw it distantly heading towards Reenard, then left up the channel towards Portmagee. Only 20 minutes of daylight remained, so not much chance for it to be relocated. Hopefully it will turn up again to be enjoyed at a more leisurely pace and with ample space and time to park.

Great White Egret, Ardcost Cross, near Reenard, 27th September 2016 (Michael O'Clery).

Great White Egret, Ardcost Cross, near Reenard, 27th September 2016 (Michael O'Clery).