The Grey Heron
Grey
Heron Ardea cinerea L 95, W 185. The most
abundant and most widespread of Europe's herons.
Found on food-rich lakes, rivers and most other
fresh waters, also on sea shores. Nests usually
in large, noisy colonies in trees near water.
Stands motionless in wait for fish, which itcaptureswitha
lightning-fast bill stab. The patient watching
behaviour and the stiffly held and often retracted
neck are very characteristic of herons in general,
and the Grey Heron is easily distinguished from
other European herons by its size and the grey,
white and black plumage. In flight the neck
is always retracted; the heron then looks front-heavy.
Over longer distances the Grey Heron flies at
high altitudes, and can then be confused with
large birds of prey because of its slow, heavy
wing action. But even at long range the Grey
Heron's particular characters in flight are
obvious: bowed wings that beat heavily and slowly.
Call a raucous 'kaark'. RWP
An
excellent pocket reference book for recognising birds
is the Hamlyn Guide to Birds of Britain and Europe,
which is a comprehensive reference guide to Britain
and mainland Europe's plethora of ornithological life.
