Anyone know much about herons?

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GeX

GeX

GeX

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My office overlooks a river. There is a heron that comes down here to fish often. Until today, we'd never seen it land anywhere but in the water. It'd stand still for a long time in the water, fishing.

However, today it has landed on an island in the middle of the river and sat down in the sun. It's in long grass, a bit hidden but not completely. It's got up a few times and moved around, but it's been there for around 3 hours now - it's normally spooked and left way before that.

Is this normal.. is it nesting.. should I call the RSPCA?
 
I thought that they nested in trees.

You could call the RSPB:

Birds and wildlife advice: 01767 693690 (office hours)
 
Not that I am expert but there are dozens of herons where I live and I see several every day walking to work. However, it is probably normal behavior. If it is waling around then it is fine,injured animals and birds find a dark corner to hide in and sit waiting for death or recovery. You see this with pets, they will just hide in their bed not moving and wait on the outcome, kind of like humans crawl into bed when sick.

Although herons predominately fish they do go after frogs and things like that. Also for mating purposes I assume they do that on land not in a tree.
 
Stretch said:
Herons are evil.
Click to expand...

They are beautiful birds:

heron1s.jpg
 
Keep an eye on it, normally they would keep moving.

I salmon fish and see them often at the river but always moving. It may be nesting but still keep a close eye on it and if its still there in few days take a walk "near by". As in don't get to close, if its nesting it wont return to any eggs that have been laid.

DP: cracker of a photo. what setup ?
 
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