A rare cattle egret has flown
in to a croft on RSPB Balranald nature reserve on north Uist and is currently
making itself at home with the resident cattle.
This is the first time that a
cattle egret has been recorded on the Uists.
Though cattle egrets are
visiting the UK in
increasing numbers, most of these are down in the south of England or Wales.
As the name suggests, cattle
egrets often spend time close to livestock, feeding on insects and worms that
the animals’ hooves disturb. In the UK,
this often means they associate with cattle, sheep or even wild deer, but in Africa it can mean they hang around with hippos!
Crofter Angus Ferguson said:
“When I move my cattle, the egret follows although there are plenty of other
cattle in the township. The only explanation must be that I must have the best
cattle!”
No comments:
Post a Comment