Herons & Egrets in East Riding of Yorkshire
6 species matching this filter.
The East Riding of Yorkshire provides excellent habitat for herons and egrets, with 6 species recorded across the county's diverse wetlands, estuaries, and river systems. The Humber Estuary and the low-lying marshes of the region attract both resident species like the Grey Heron and increasingly common visitors such as the Little Egret and Great White Egret. Rarer sightings, including the elusive Eurasian Bittern and the striking Black-crowned Night-heron, make this county a rewarding destination for birdwatchers seeking out this elegant family of wading birds.
Black-crowned Night-heron
Nycticorax nycticoraxLC
A very rare passage visitor, with occasional August records. One of the region's most sought-after vagrant herons.
Aug
Cattle Egret
Bubulcus ibisLC
A rare summer visitor, part of a recent northward range expansion. Occasionally seen near livestock in lowland pastures during June and July.
Jun–Jul
Eurasian Bittern
Botaurus stellarisLC
A rare and secretive resident of extensive reedbeds. Most likely encountered at reserves like Tophill Low, with booming males in spring.
Apr–Jan
Great White Egret
Ardea albaLC
A rare but increasingly recorded resident at wetlands and marshes. Seen in most months, reflecting its recent national expansion.
Jul–May
Grey Heron
Ardea cinereaLC
A common and familiar resident of waterways, farmland ponds, and estuarine margins throughout the East Riding year-round.
Year-round
Little Egret
Egretta garzettaLC
Now a common resident at estuarine and wetland sites after a dramatic range expansion. Readily seen at Tophill Low and along the Humber.
Year-round