Farmer Stuart Russell spotted the Great White Egret at his newly-created wetland site near Draycote Water and the River Leam.

Only a handful of sightings of egrets have ever been recorded in Warwickshire, and most of these have only stayed for one day.

However, this pristine bird graced the county for at least three days.

Although the species does not yet breed in the UK, more have been recorded in the Midlands in recent years, possibly due to warmer winters.

Stuart said: "I first saw the bird early in the morning and couldn't quite believe my eyes.

"We've had some nice visitors already including osprey in the spring this year, and avocet shortly afterwards, but I was glad to get verification on site from Natural England advisor Matt Willmott, that it was indeed a great white egret and not just an albino heron!"

The wetland was created after the former arable site became difficult to manage due to regular flooding.

Stuart said he is keen to build on this success, adding: "This is the first phase as we see it. In spite of rising grain prices, this wetland has given us an extra dimension to the farm. We are about to implement more ditch work and look forward to more good birds in the future".

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