Tropical heron spotted in UK for first time as more exotic birds arrive to thrill birdwatchers
Key takeaways
- Hundreds of birdwatchers have flocked to north Wales in recent days to catch a glimpse of the western reef heron.
- The heron was first spotted in Foryd Bay at the weekend before flying to nearby Caernarfon harbour where it fed among the boats.
- While the sighting has excited birdwatchers nationwide, experts said it also demonstrated how changing climate conditions have altered the bird’s range.
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Hundreds of birdwatchers have flocked to north Wales in recent days to catch a glimpse of the western reef heron. Photograph: Lewi Burgess/SWNSView image in fullscreen Hundreds of birdwatchers have flocked to north Wales in recent days to catch a glimpse of the western reef heron. Photograph: Lewi Burgess/SWNSThe age of extinction Birds Tropical heron spotted in UK for first time as more exotic birds arrive to thrill birdwatchers Appearance of a western reef heron in north Wales is unlikely to be the last, as heating temperatures mean species can survive Britain’s winter, say experts
About this contentMatthew PearceSat 13 Jun 2026 08.00 BSTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleIt 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.