The overwintering population of the Great egret in the European Union is increasing both in the long and short term. This partially reflects the recovery of the population, as well as an increase in the number of individuals staying in Europe during winter.

The trends of different species’ populations are comprehensively monitored through annual monitoring programmes.

Until January 20, you too can join the International Winter Waterbird Census and help count Great egrets, Mallards, Black-headed gulls, and other waterbirds spotted in the country’s aquatic habitats.

Here you can learn more about this monitoring programme.