Birds on Coins - 2008 Belarus 10 Rubles - Great White Egret - Photos Inside
pendragon1998
Posts: 2,070 ✭✭✭
I just got my packet from Belarus via Poland yesterday afternoon and I'm pleased to share with you my latest acquisition for my Birds on Coins collection: a Belarus 10 rubles depicting the Great Egret (Ardea alba; on the COA, it's described as a "Great White Egret", a less-frequently used common name). Hope you enjoy!
2008 Belarus 10 rubles: Great White Egret
Composition: 0.925 Silver
Weight: 16.81 g
Strike: Proof
Diameter: 32.00 mm
Issue Limit: 5,000
Issued by: National Bank of the Republic of Belarus
From Wikipedia, a little life history:
The Great Egret Ardea alba, also known as the Great White Egret, or Common Egret, is a wading egret, found in most of the tropical and warmer temperate parts of the world, although it is very local in southern Europe and Asia. It is called Kōtuku in New Zealand. It is sometimes confused with the Great White Heron in Florida, which is a white morph of the Great Blue Heron.
The Great Egret is a large bird with all white plumage that can reach 101 cm in height and weigh up to 950 g. It is only slightly smaller than the Great Blue or Grey Herons. Apart from size, the Great Egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet. It also has a slow flight, with its neck retracted. This is characteristic of herons and bitterns, and distinguishes them from storks, cranes and spoonbills, which extend their necks.
The Great Egret feeds in shallow water or drier habitats, spearing fish, frogs or insects with its long, sharp bill. It will often wait motionless for prey, or slowly stalk its victim. It is a common species, usually easily seen.
Although generally a very successful species with a large and expanding range, the Great Egret is highly endangered in New Zealand, with only one breeding site at Okarito Lagoon.[2][3] In North America, large numbers of Great Egrets were killed around the end of the 19th century so that their plumes could be used to decorate hats. Numbers have since recovered as a result of conservation measures. Its range has expanded as far north as southern Canada. However, in some parts of the southern United States, its numbers have declined due to habitat loss. Nevertheless, it adapts well to human habitation and can be readily seen near wetlands and bodies of water in urban and suburban areas. In 1953 the Great Egret in flight was chosen as the symbol of the National Audubon Society, which was formed in part to prevent the killing of birds for their feathers.[4][5]
Photos of real Great Egrets:
And some Video:
Video 1
Video 2
More Birds on Coins:
Birds on Coins - 1994 Republic of Somaliland 1 Shilling - Somali Pigeon
Birds on Coins - 2007 Belarus 1 Rouble - Thrush Nightingale
2008 Belarus 10 rubles: Great White Egret
Composition: 0.925 Silver
Weight: 16.81 g
Strike: Proof
Diameter: 32.00 mm
Issue Limit: 5,000
Issued by: National Bank of the Republic of Belarus
From Wikipedia, a little life history:
The Great Egret Ardea alba, also known as the Great White Egret, or Common Egret, is a wading egret, found in most of the tropical and warmer temperate parts of the world, although it is very local in southern Europe and Asia. It is called Kōtuku in New Zealand. It is sometimes confused with the Great White Heron in Florida, which is a white morph of the Great Blue Heron.
The Great Egret is a large bird with all white plumage that can reach 101 cm in height and weigh up to 950 g. It is only slightly smaller than the Great Blue or Grey Herons. Apart from size, the Great Egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet. It also has a slow flight, with its neck retracted. This is characteristic of herons and bitterns, and distinguishes them from storks, cranes and spoonbills, which extend their necks.
The Great Egret feeds in shallow water or drier habitats, spearing fish, frogs or insects with its long, sharp bill. It will often wait motionless for prey, or slowly stalk its victim. It is a common species, usually easily seen.
Although generally a very successful species with a large and expanding range, the Great Egret is highly endangered in New Zealand, with only one breeding site at Okarito Lagoon.[2][3] In North America, large numbers of Great Egrets were killed around the end of the 19th century so that their plumes could be used to decorate hats. Numbers have since recovered as a result of conservation measures. Its range has expanded as far north as southern Canada. However, in some parts of the southern United States, its numbers have declined due to habitat loss. Nevertheless, it adapts well to human habitation and can be readily seen near wetlands and bodies of water in urban and suburban areas. In 1953 the Great Egret in flight was chosen as the symbol of the National Audubon Society, which was formed in part to prevent the killing of birds for their feathers.[4][5]
Photos of real Great Egrets:
And some Video:
Video 1
Video 2
More Birds on Coins:
Birds on Coins - 1994 Republic of Somaliland 1 Shilling - Somali Pigeon
Birds on Coins - 2007 Belarus 1 Rouble - Thrush Nightingale
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Comments
Cool birds, too. They're a pretty common sight around here. I mean, Snowy Egrets, if there's any difference. We have lots of Snowy Egrets. I think we probably have some of the "Great Whites", too- I have seen some really big 'uns. One was strolling down the street on the south end of town one day, totally unperturbed by the people walking by and the slow-moving cars driving down the street. He even walked up to one car and almost poked his head into the open driver's side window, like he was a toll collector or something!
<< <i>Great coin!
Cool birds, too. They're a pretty common sight around here. I mean, Snowy Egrets, if there's any difference. We have lots of Snowy Egrets. I think we probably have some of the "Great Whites", too- I have seen some really big 'uns. One was strolling down the street on the south end of town one day, totally unperturbed by the people walking by and the slow-moving cars driving down the street. He even walked up to one car and almost poked his head into the open driver's side window, like he was a toll collector or something! >>
Not surprising at all seeing what the bird that I posted did. It walked right up to my mom's beach chair (from behind so it couldn't be seen) and put its head into the bag of bait. It wasn't scared of people at all. It saw an opportunity for free food.
<< <i>Great coin!
Cool birds, too. They're a pretty common sight around here. I mean, Snowy Egrets, if there's any difference. We have lots of Snowy Egrets. I think we probably have some of the "Great Whites", too- I have seen some really big 'uns. >>
Thanks, Rob. Here is a photo showing the size difference between the larger Great Egret on the left and smaller Snowy Egret on the right:
The Great White Heron is actually a white color morph of the familiar Great Blue Heron. It can be distinguished from Great Egrets by the heron's overall heavier build, somewhat paler, or mottled bill, and off-white legs, compared to the GE's yellow bill, black legs, and more delicate frame.
Great White Heron:
Great Egret:
The things to look at when identifying adult herons and egrets is generally bill color and leg color.
<< <i>Very nice detail on that coin. And, here is another pic for you. This one was stalking me for cut mullet on Hilton Head island.
>>
Thanks, Dan - good shot. I love Great Egrets - I believe I mentioned to you previously that one of them was the bird which got me interested in birds in the first place. I love how this elegant species will allow you up close for a great view, sometimes.
I'm afraid to be alive without being aware of it