Shelduck twice in one winter

I was out much earlier than usual today, again hopeful for owls, but saw or heard none.

On entering Ron's hide around 07:25 I found a Shelduck, our first Jan bird since 2012, so hope this is a resuming the trend that occurred from 2004 to 2007, then 2010 to 2012.

A Little Egret materialised in front of the hide and I got a few shots, but it was painful trying and mostly failing to get it in focus due to it's constant movement.

Finally the sun came up over the brow, but shortly after the fog rolled in.

One update to ponder is John telling me this morning that he and others saw 2 Bittern at WSL on the 19th, the dark bird and another much paler one, the question is, was it the Lavell's bird or a 3rd individual?