Once very rare in the UK, the Little Egret is now relatively common and can be seen in good numbers in the south of the country. However, it has taken me nearly three years to see one at Croome, despite the estate being popular with Grey Herons. You can see in the photo below, they are quite a bit smaller than the Heron, but they are not a small bird - with a wingspan of around a metre.

This one was found feeding around the main lake (accompanied by the Heron). They feed in shallow waters, sometimes finding their prey by stirring up the water with their feet. Although the one below looks ungainly in the tree, this is where they roost and build their nests.

However, it is when they fly that the Little Egret looks at its most graceful...