Breeding in widespread locations across the USA (and patchily southwards as far as Chile and Argentina) the Snowy Egret Egretta thula is similar in size and appearance to the widespread Little Egret Egretta garzetta. Though as yet unclaimed in Japan or Korea, the species has been recorded in the UK and on Tristan da Cunha in the Atlantic - evidence that the species undertakes long-range movements and is a possible candidate for vagrancy into our region.

All photographs © Charlie Moores. Taken at Malibu Lagoon and Bolsa Chica, California (September).

Snowy Egret, Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles, September 02 2004

Snowy Egret, Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles, September 02 2004

Snowy Egret, Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles, September 02 2004

Snowy Egret, Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles, September 02 2004

Snowy Egret, Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles, September 02 2004

Snowy Egret, Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles, September 02 2004

Snowy Egret, Bolsa Chica, Los Angeles, September 01 2004

Snowy Egret, Bolsa Chica, Los Angeles, September 01 2004

Snowy Egret, Bolsa Chica, Los Angeles, September 01 2004