UK - Can someone identify the Egg (1 Viewer)

[Compuwight]

This was taken in a local nature reserve after the recent heavy rain, so I am guessing the egg was washed out from a nest ? I am thinking its a swan egg but I have never seen one before......

 

[Gander]

It is going to be a short list with an egg of that size. Not sure it looks right for Swan. Maybe Grey Heron?

 

[alanc]

Location needed but if UK how about Canada Goose??

cheers alan

 

[Compuwight]

So I went back today with my spotting scope and scanned the entire area, paying particular attention to the reed beds, I did not find any evidence of a nest. I also found no evidence of Swans or Canada Geese, I did see several Grey Herons and 2 little Egrets so on that evidence, Grey Heron seems the obvious conclusion to me anyways. Google search agrees with size colour and specs !

 

[alanc]

hi compuwight

Grey Herons nest in trees not reedbeds so unless there are some nearby trees or large bushes - I don't see them as being an egg short!
Little Egrets are known to nest in marshes but again they usually choose a tree or high bush.

cheers alan

 

[Andy Adcock]

It is going to be a short list with an egg of that size. Not sure it looks right for Swan. Maybe Grey Heron?

Grey Heron was my thought too however, Swans eggs are known to turn blue when the nest is flooded?

 

[mummymonkey]

Bit late for heron eggs, no?

 

[Compuwight]

As I said, I checked everywhere I could see, including lots of trees which border the water and saw no sign of nesting. This area is not known for swans, but the water ways are connected so I could have come from miles away. Andy's comment about Swans eggs is interesting, guess I will never know for sure, sad either way.

 

[Andy Hurley]

Bit late for heron eggs, no?

Maybe a dud, having been left (for whatever reason) a while ago and recently washed out of the nest, perhaps?

 

[Andy Hurley]

sad either way.

Very little goes wasted in nature. A meal for that crow. Very little sentimentality in nature. (The fuse is lit, now I stand back and count down...)