Kotuku or white heron.

Blip mate and I spotted this beautiful great egret fishing in the estuary this morning. He was quite close to the road and it was really nice to be able to get a fairly close photo. He has the orange bill of a non breeding bird - the bill of a breeding bird is black.

Known in New Zealand as a white heron or kotuku, they are a rare sight with a population of less than 200 birds in total and they are fully protected.

A sacred bird in Maori lore, they symbolise all that is rare and beautiful.

I have chosen one with spread wings to give an idea of wingspan but to really see what they are like, there are some more in the extras.