Herons & Egrets in Cambridgeshire
6 species matching this filter.
Cambridgeshire's extensive wetlands, reedbeds, and fenland waterways provide outstanding habitat for herons and egrets, making the county one of the best places in England to observe this elegant family of wading birds. Six species have been recorded here, ranging from the familiar Grey Heron to scarcer visitors such as the Black-crowned Night-heron and the booming Eurasian Bittern, which breeds in the reedbeds of reserves like Lakenheath Fen and the Ouse Washes. The increasing presence of Little Egrets and Great White Egrets in recent years reflects broader range expansions across the United Kingdom.
Black-crowned Night-heron
Nycticorax nycticoraxLC
A rare and exciting vagrant, occasionally recorded in June around the Fen waterways and wetland reserves.
Jun
Cattle Egret
Bubulcus ibisLC
A rare but increasingly established resident, often found near livestock in Fenland pastures. A recent arrival to the county.
Year-round
Eurasian Bittern
Botaurus stellarisLC
A secretive resident of Fenland reedbeds, most often detected by its deep booming call in spring. A prized county speciality.
Mar–Jan
Great White Egret
Ardea albaLC
Now resident year-round, increasingly seen at Fen wetlands and flooded fields. A recent colonist whose numbers continue to grow.
Year-round
Grey Heron
Ardea cinereaLC
A common and familiar resident, seen year-round along rivers, ditches, and lakes throughout the county.
Year-round
Little Egret
Egretta garzettaLC
Now a common resident at wetlands, ditches, and flooded fields across the Fens, having colonised the county since the 2000s.
Year-round