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Look up to the Sky

Birds of flight and fancy!

A heron's wingspan can be almost 2 metres and it's no surprise that they almost glide in-between beating those powerful wings, which they move slowly. When standing upright, they are tall with long legs and necks; their necks are naturally 's' shaped but, when fishing, or rather 'about to catch a fish' their necks become very straight and like a spear, with the bill acting as the dagger which they use to get their prey. They swallow the fish whole!

Herons are found around water. If you have a pond, watch out! The heron will return to feast upon the fish, day after day until they have all been eaten! Some gardeners place an artificial heron in their pond to ward off the real bird. There are several other ways to deter a heron from the pond.


Silhouette of a large heron returning to its tree-top nest.
In the evening, a heron might be seen returning to its nest, often placed high in a tree. There might be several nests in one tree and, nearby, several trees all with nests; together this makes a heron community.

There is something quiet peaceful watching herons cross the evening sky on their return home. If you happen to be near the nesting trees, you will probably see several birds glide back to their nests, one after the other. Sometimes even flying in pairs or groups.

For the #30dayswild post in 2016, Nature Challenge : Look up to the Stars, click here.  


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