Purple heron

[hc4361]

I am very used to watching the grey heron land in the trees at the bottom of my garden, and fish in the neighbour's pond. They even walk across my lawn.
But the heron I saw today flying past looked black - is it possible a purple heron could visit the West Midlands?

[Mamyalynne]

Seems so yes

http://www.birdguides...species.asp?sp=020012

[hc4361]

Thank you, mamyalynne

[rowanwitch]

rare visitor but have been more common in uk over recent years