The scene is very tranquil, with the early morning stillness broken only by the tiny ripples of insects on the surface of the water and an occasional distant call of a coot. The sun's golden light filters through the rising mist, making it dance above the water.

Suddenly, the silence is rudely broken by a snowy egret, dragging its feet across the surface of the pond, as it moves from one perch to another. The splashes are jewels of golden light. As soon as the egret has passed by, the tranquily returns.

- Matthew Hillier