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Rare African bird seen in the UK for first time

Western reef heron flying in skySteve Culley

This is the Western reef heron, usually found in southern Europe, Africa and parts of Asia - but this one is currently in Wales.

It was spotted by in Y Foryd, Caernarfon on Saturday by Simon Hugheston-Roberts.

He is an ornithologist, someone who studies birds and how we can conserve them, by looking at their trends and their habitats.

Naturalist and broadcaster Iolo Williams said this is the first time the bird has been seen in the UK.

Now hundreds of excited birdwatchers from across the UK have been flocking to the seaside town in north Wales to see the "rare" heron.

Five facts about the Western reef heron

A grey-blue bird with a large beak walking in brown water. One of its feet is orange and out the water.Steve Culley

  1. They can be all-white and a dark grey, as well as somewhere in between.

  2. The white bird looks similar to another bird called the little egret, but has a larger yellower bill as well as thicker legs.

  3. When foraging for food they tend to be very active, often running and using their feet or flicking their wings to disturb prey in shallow water.

  4. They eat fish, molluscs and crustaceans, and in coastal areas feed on mudskippers.

  5. They have been categorised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as a species of least-concern, as they are still plentiful in the wild.

How did this western reef heron end up in Wales?

Simon smiles as he holds binoculars in his hands. He stands in front of a green nature reserve. Simon wears a grey jacket, a blue shoulder bag, navy gloves and a brown cap.Marc Hughes

Simon Hugheston-Roberts who spotted the heron while on his usual walk is hoping to have it added to the official list of UK bird sightings

Iolo Williams thinks warm, strong southern winds may have blown the heron out to sea, where it "got lost and was carried here".

The heron has been seen making the most of many local landmarks - for example flying over the harbour near Cei Llechi and roosting in trees by Aber Bridge, as well as flying over the fields of Morfa Dinlle, and passing above Caernarfon Castle.

Photographers and artists have also come to the town hoping to see the rare sight.

Artist Richard Partis had been tracking the bird for almost 12 hours, and said that so far "everyone has been very respectful and kept their distance so as not to disturb the bird".

Simon, who initially spotted it, is writing a report to the British Birds Rarities Committee (BBRC) so that they can confirm his finding.

If this happens it will then be added to the official list of wild bird record in Great Britain, known as The British List.