12 March 2009

Charlie Flemming went out on the morning on 9 March intent on taking some photos in an around the mouth of the River Exe. On the way he called in at Powderham in the hope of seeing the Cattle Egrets that had reportedly moved from the Roundhouse back amongst the sheep by Powderham Church.

Charlie writes: “There were at least 10 Little Egrets but no Cattle Egrets. In the Exe Estuary at Cockwood a pair of Goldeneyes were close to the sea wall but quickly moved away when they knew I was around. On the way back home I stopped off at Powderham again for a closer look among the egrets – and sure enough there were a couple of Cattle Egrets.

I couldn't get close enough to get a decent photo so I decided to try and find out who owned the sheep and ask if I could get in amongst them with the chair hide. I traced the farmer, Ben, who was a grand chap. We had a long chat and once he understood that my motives were sincere and I was not going to upset his really lovely Dorset sheep, he agreed that I could place my hide near them and, with luck, get some good shots of the Cattle Egrets.”

The pictures speak for themselves! Thanks Charlie.

Cattle Egrets – Powderham – © Charlie Flemming – 9 March 2009