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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Environment
Matthew Pearce

Tropical heron spotted in UK for first time as more exotic birds arrive to thrill birdwatchers

United Kingdom Nick Moran Wales Africa Britain Europe
A blue bird with a white throat and long bill standing in shallow water.
Hundreds of birdwatchers have flocked to north Wales in recent days to catch a glimpse of the western reef heron. Photograph: Lewi Burgess/SWNS

It is a tropical bird typically encountered between west Africa and India, but last week a western reef heron arrived in north Wales in what is believed to be the first ever sighting in the UK.

The heron was first spotted in Foryd Bay at the weekend before flying to nearby Caernarfon harbour where it fed among the boats.

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