It’s not every day that you come across a Western Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) in the heart of Brandenburg, especially during winter. On a crisp afternoon, around 1:00 PM, this striking white bird was spotted on the edge of a village, fearlessly searching for food among a flock of sheep. Unlike other migratory species, this egret seemed entirely at ease, adapting effortlessly to its surroundings.
The Cattle Egret, native to tropical and subtropical regions, is a vagrant in central Europe during the colder months. Typically associated with warmer climates, it’s a rare but not unprecedented sight in Brandenburg. This particular individual demonstrated little shyness, venturing close to human observers and photographers without hesitation.
Found on the outskirts of the settlement, the egret was actively foraging in a pasture shared with sheep. It exhibited opportunistic feeding behavior, successfully hunting small mammals, such as mice, amidst the grazing livestock. This adaptability highlights the species’ well-documented ability to thrive in diverse habitats, from wetlands to dry grasslands and agricultural fields.
Notably, the observed bird was unbanded, suggesting it is a wild individual rather than one from a monitoring program or avian collection. Its pristine white plumage was accented by a slight buff hue, maybe already showing moult from non-breeding to breeding plumage.
One remarkable aspect of this sighting was the bird’s tolerance for human presence. Unlike many avian species that are quick to flee, this egret allowed photographers and bird enthusiasts to approach within close range, providing a rare opportunity for detailed observation and photography.
The presence of a Cattle Egret in Brandenburg’s winter landscape was already the 2nd vagrant bird for Brandenbug in this winter. I encountered a vagrant Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius), a species typically found in the Americas at the Caputher Gemünde at the outflow of the Schwielowsee in Potsdam. Unlike many regular shorebirds, the Spotted Sandpiper as well as the Cattle Egret showed little fear of the presence of humans. Both tolerated foot traffic and allowed photographers to approach them, and approached observers without noticeable fear itself. This calm behavior provided excellent opportunities to study behavior in detail and to document foraging up close.
In fact, birdwatching with patience and a willingness to travel at a moment’s notice is often rewarded with fascinating insights into bird behavior.
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