The Lincolnshire Bird Club

Has anyone heard a Little Egret call?

Spent the morning close to Linc's - Notts. border along river Trent near Gainsborough. While waiting to meet an RSPB rep. at Beckingham this morning I spent time watching tree sparrows on the feeders and a few distant Little Egret across the fields when one Egret flew almost directly overhead and was heard repeatedly calling!

Now I have never heard Little Egret make any sounds, never mind hearing one calling in flight and such an unusual occurance made me question myself a little, despite it being the only bird close by and in constant view throughout its short slow flight towards the river Trent.

NB: I watched the Egret flying while repeatedly making a sound/call which immediately reminded me of being not unlike that a Grey Heron would make. Any thoughts?

_________________
Regards.
Del.

To err is human. To really louse things up takes a computer

At breeding colonies they are quite vocal with a harsh "Kaark" similar to Grey Heron. In flight I have heard a crow like "Caw" but that's as much vocabulary I've come across!

Probably should have added 'heard away from a breeding colony' Stuart.

Having never been near a breeding colony myself where I understand they are very vocal.
Yet inland although Little Egrets are seen regular on the coast and inland including my local patch in Notts. I have until today never heard one utter a sound.

My second thought when heard calling was. 'Crow' With a sore throat maybe!

_________________
Regards.
Del.

To err is human. To really louse things up takes a computer