Great white egret and other animals

Great white egret on the Conwy estuary this afternoon. Found by the warden from RSPB Dovestone, visiting Wales for the weekend, it was initially on the saltmarsh by the reserve entrance, but harassed by a grey heron and the incoming tide, flew to the east bank upriver from Glan Conwy. As the tide dropped, it moved back to the south end of the RSPB reserve, but wasn't reported after mid-afternoon.

Earlier in the day, redwings were pouring across the reserve: only in small groups of 10-20, but about every 30 seconds. While we were watching the egret, seven skylarks flew north calling, another example of vis-mig. Several visitors have commented on the excellent views of water rail, which have been very showy in the last couple of days, and also stoats, which have been bombing along the estuary track.