I saw the Great White Egret in 2002 on Dark Lane just off the Marbury patch, but never managed to see it on the patch. I have attempted several times to see other birds, but have dipped badly as they have always flown off. So thankfully, this bird has stayed the last couple of weeks, so I managed to get down to see it. On arrival, the bird was showing well from the Pods hide, which I haven't returned to since it was built in March 2017. The Great White Eagle just sat preening on the far bank; at last, it was on the list! Other birds of note were Water Rail, Green Sandpiper, Ringed, and Little Ringed Plover. A nice morning birding, and good to be back on the patch!
Pod's hide
Neumann's Flash
Great white egret
PREVIOUS RECORDS
6th January 2002-Flew west and appeared to be dropping down into Marbury CP, main lake- Neumann's Flash.
12 January 2002- Flew in from Great Budworth at approx 13:00 and settled alongside 3 Herons after initially being seen off by them-Budworth Mere
16th March 2002-Present at midday-Budworth Mere
27th January 2002-Flew over this morning- Neumann's Flash.
23rd March 2002—Flushed from Great Budworth, then flew to Neumann's Flash.
16th February 2008-One this morning to 07:20 when it flew off high north-Ashton's Flash
9th April 2014—One-Ashton's Flash.
6th August 2014: One late morning, then lost to view Neumann's Flash.
28th September 2016—One-Neumann's Flash.
7th July till 24th 2018—One-Neumann's Flash and Budworth Mere.
