Purple Heron.

A bird we didn't expect to see perched in a tree was a Purple Heron, they are usually, for us anyway, skulking aroud a reed bed being quite elusive. One morning, however, we were out early to see what was on the local river before returning to to the hotel for breakfast. We rounded a corner and there was a Purple Heron sunbathing in the early morning sun, obviously warming up after a cold night in the reed beds.

A total but very welcome surprise!