The grey heron (Ardea cinerea) is probably the most common wading bird in The Netherlands. The number of breeding pairs has increased since it became a protected species in 1963, but rigorous winters in the past years have decimated the population in some areas, resulting in an ever greater number of migrating herons. While some individuals leave for Southern Europe, others fly to the wetlands of Mauritania and Senegal. For now most herons are still stalking their prey locally, searching ponds and pools as thorough as a minesweeper.
Published on October 11, 2013
Such beautiful captures of this majestic bird.
Thanks Janaline, it was definitely worth the wait as those shy birds tend to fly away as soon as they notice you. This one took me about an hour stalking 🙂