Great White at Meare Heath (from 3rd May)

Great White Egret ( Copyright TD Wright )

What an extraordinary bird this was! Accustomed to seeing yellow-billed, black-legged non-breeders I was amazed to see that this bird had an entirely black bill, bright turquoise lores and shocking pink legs. Some authors state that the legs 'may become reddish' in breeding dress. Reddish? That's bright pink on this bird, isn't it? Also, many illustrations show a yellow base to the black bill, but there wasn't a hint of yellow on this bird.Amazing looking individual. Oh yes, and there was one of these there too...                                                                                             

Hudsonian Godwit flanked by Blackwits ( Copyright TD Wright )

As you can see my Hudwit pix aren't great, but what a cracking bird. Even so, that Egret was my abiding memory of this day. It's as if somebody painted it. Are they often as striking as this one? I doubt it!