With increasing numbers of Great White Egrets being seen in Sussex each year, the SOS Records Committee (SOSRC) and Scientific Committee have concluded that, as from 1 January 2018, descriptions/photos of this species will not be needed to support records in any part of the county.  The Sussex Bird Report 2016 includes Great White Egret as a description species as the report went to print before the SOSRC was able to make a recommendation that took account of most 2017 records.   Although the risk of misidentification is usually small, observers are encouraged to take particular care with distant birds including those in flight.