Things you need to know about GREY HERONS!

Standing at up to a metre tall and with a wingspan of between 155 and 195 centimetres, the grey heron is almost unmistakable. Adults have an orangey yellow, dagger shaped beak, a dark eye stripe which contrasts with their almost white head and neck, grey wings with dark outer edges and a small crest of feathers protruding from the back of their heads. They also have long spindly legs and hold these and their heads and necks close into their bodies during flight. For the most part, males and females look the same although the crest of feathers, which are known as Aigrets are slightly longer in breeding condition males.
Grey herons are mostly a waterside bird, found at all inland waterways, along the coast and much to the annoyance of koi and goldfish keepers, theyll frequently attempt to visit garden ponds. With this wetland preference, a lot of their diet is made up of fish and amphibians but they will also hunt away from the water and take small mammals, birds and insects. They catch their larger prey by surprise, stalking it, impaling it and then swallowing it whole.
When it comes to nesting, grey herons will often choose to nest communally in what is known as a heronry. This will usually be in clusters of large trees on islands or close to water and they will sometimes share their nesting areas with other fish eating birds such as great cormorants, spoonbills and egrets. From the age of two years onwards, each adult heron will attempt to find a mate from early spring onwards and once they are successful will begin the construction of a large twig platform nest. Once the nest is complete, each pair will produce between 3 and 5 greeney blue eggs at 2 day intervals. These measure 6cm in length and are incubated by both parents for 27 days from when the first or second is laid. This means that the chick hatch at intervals too and their can be a noticeable size difference between them. Both parents bring food back to the chicks in the nest and they grow rapidly, fledging at 50-55 days old. At this point the young are duller and scruffier looking versions of their parents and are still cared for away from the nest for a further 2 to 4 weeks until they are able to fend for themselves. Each pair will only nest once per year and after nesting they remain mostly solitary, only searching out a new mate the following spring.
There are currently an estimated 13,000 grey heron nests in the UK and 63,000 birds overwintering here. They are also found across most of Europe, Russia, northern Asia parts of Australasia and south Africa. They have a close and similar looking relative in the Americas called a great blue heron. Grey herons in the UK dont migrate and at some point outside of the breeding season they can be seen stood along a waterway or in a field all facing the same direction, and no one really know why they do this although it is thought it might be just for social interaction. They have an average lifespan of around five years but the oldest wild bird on record made it to 23 years of age.
#uknature #nature #ukwildlife
Some of the footage used in this video was obtained using creative common licences. The originals can be found at:
• アオサギ 早朝のコロニー Grey hero...
• Grey heron family アオサギ...
• アオサギ 巣作り Grey heron Ne...
• アオサギ 大物ゲットはたかられる Grey ...
• Grey Herons in the nest
• Grey heron catching fi...
• Grey Heron Fishing in ...
• Grey Heron's at winter...
• Herons mating Feb 2017
• Lonely Grey Heron Aimi...
• GREY HERON СЕРАЯ ЦАПЛЯ
• アオサギ 抱卵中 Grey heron br...
• Gray Heron Call. Gråhä...
• Short Clip: Great Blue...
Some of the images are also creative commons-
Heron nest image:
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
Thumbnail image: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...

[@jonathansmythe6273]

Love herons , thanks

[@wolfenstein6676]

Things you need to know about grey herons - They eat everything and anything that isn't nailed down :) .

[@MexF9109]

Wow! Thanks for this video I didn’t know that grey herons share nesting areas with other fish eating birds and these types of videos you make are great for beginners.

[@AShotOfWildlife]

Great. I'm glad you learnt something new :) These videos are aimed at anyone with an interest in wildlife but yes, hopefully beginner friendly.

[@noeldunford4955]

I live in Peterborough I se a grey heron this morning on top of a three storey house ravensThorpe Peterborough

[@Rdr2449]

Great video

[@AShotOfWildlife]

Glad you enjoyed it. Stay tuned for more :)

[@KrisHughes]

I love your channel! The information is simple enough for everyone, the videos are relaxing and informative. There's no hype. Well done, mate!

[@smurfsmurf2295]

Love watching about birds

[@ttxela]

Gorgeous birds, love seeing them on the river 👍

[@michaeljames7931]

I've been a wildlife, landscape photographer for nearly 40 years and i find your videos both fascinating and informative.

[@AShotOfWildlife]

Thank you James. It's great to have your support and I'm glad you are getting value from these videos.

[@SouthWestAdventuresview22]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWeceomoq552iM0

[@jeanielam4260]

A grey heron just moved into the pond next to my apartment! I’m here learning about my new neighbor!

[@227Love]

Seen them in my country lately, I fell in love! They do get easily annoyed though, and when they do they “scream” as they fly away it’s funny and cute 🥰

[@xNickiRosex]

One of my favorite birds I get to see in my backyard! ❤ We have one we see on a daily basis, he’s about 12 years old now. He’s the LARGEST Heron I’ve ever seen in my life. We have the “Great Blue” but they almost look identical! The Great Blue’s definitely DO have that slate blue tint to their feathers though! He rules our side of the river & eats some of the biggest fish out there. HIGHLY skilled in his hunting. He’s actually become comfortable enough to perch himself on our dock & our boat lift! Under the dock, the biggest fish have learned for most of the year, they’re pretty safe/comfortable under there, & have started living under there or laying eggs, so the Heron now knows to go there & stick his LONGGGGG sword of a beak under there & get those giant fish! He’s quite amazing to watch. 😊❤

[@SouthWestAdventuresview22]

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[@jennifermarlow.]

I love these birds. They were a constant of my childhood. ;)

[@tamsin6455]

Thank you..informative as always 🙏🏼

[@simonpackham5780]

Thank you for including the sounds of the bird. I used to be awestruck at the sight of the graceful flight of the grey heron, however, living near a mill pond, a duck had a brood of 12 ducklings. Over a period of time, the freaking heron ate the lot. I have a similar love turned to hate relationship with swans when canoeing on my local canal …

[@janiedunn637]

👍🏻. Lovely 😊 birds. Enjoying watching a herons nest 🪹 on Springwatch just now

[@Bertil_Lundin]

Nice birds! Thanks for sharing Liam and have a nice weekend! In Sweden it's Midsummer eve Friday so our weekend starts today. // Bertil.

[@martyndormer]

Excellent as always!🐦

[@AShotOfWildlife]

Thank you!

[@waynemorton6910]

Enjoyd that video thanks 👍👍

[@garypritchard3446]

Thanks to your efforts I've joined the RSPB.

[@AShotOfWildlife]

Cheers. Good work, I hope you continue to enjoy and learn from my videos.

[@SouthWestAdventuresview22]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWeceomoq552iM0

[@animaldediaryz3715]

Nice and knowledgeable video about Grey Herons, thanks !

[@penboyasgod6103]

There's several Grey Heron nests in Eucalyptus trees surrounding a reservoir near downtown L.A. I love watching them. I think the Greys are a bit larger than the Great Blues.

[@jennifermarlow.]

Nope. The Great Blues are significantly larger. Been watching a few birds all my life, but it's easy to google if you doubt my word. I once watched one eat a snake - they are fierce! From the right coast. ;)

[@gearoiddom]

What a fantastic channel. All the key info in a few mins. Great accompanying footage. And all local to our part of the world - no need to resort to the exotic to impress.

[@AShotOfWildlife]

Cheers Gary. I'll only ever do UK wildlife unless I actually go abroad, then I'll do foreign wildlife from a UK perspective I guess.

[@SouthWestAdventuresview22]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWeceomoq552iM0

[@robjeavons5982]

Thanks liam great video

[@PegasusB]

Great video. Really appreciated hearing the call of the heron.

[@anthonymctigue9038]

MIGHTY STUFF WE HAVE A FEW HERE IN WEST OF IRELAND NEST ON ISLANDS ON LAKES .YOU DO A GREAT JOB .YOU HAVE GREAT KNOWLEDGE OF WILD BIRDS .

[@ammadoux]

we use to see them only in winter here in Jeddah. but in the past five years we see them all year.

[@pazamataz]

I love these videos they’re very soothing, and I love herons. They always remind me of whistler from the animals of farthing wood.

[@AShotOfWildlife]

Cheers. I'll shamefully admit I haven't seen animals of farthing Wood but I'm glad you enjoyed these videos :)

[@lts3248]

Great video, thanks. I saw a heron just the other day, beautiful birds.

[@NaCreagachaDubha]

Great video. Many thanks!

[@AShotOfWildlife]

Thank you

[@CookieMonster-hl9eg]

He’s got his overcoat on So cute 🥰 I used to feed them fish at the park

[@tonycox5625]

We had one that used to come over from the park and sunbathe on our neighbours garage roof, haven't seen him for a while now though.

[@juliegray1519]

Only started watching your all about videos about different birds a week or so ago and I can’t stop watching them now. I love learning about wildlife. Have you done one on the yellowhammer? I saw one in my garden last week, and I’d love to know more 😊

[@AShotOfWildlife]

Cheers. I haven't done a yellowhammer one yet. I don't have much footage of them so it could be quite some time yet. I hope you'll continue to enjoy my videos :)

[@LudwigHohlwein1974]

Yellowhammers are a rare treat. Lovely, distincive song. Still, I've seen more of them than I have any yellow wagtails. Another very yellow, rather rare bird.

[@brienfoaboutanything9037]

Interesting about Heron: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYDadJSeacaso7c

[@NaturallyCuriousUK]

If you like Liam's videos (and why wouldn't you?) then I'd love you to check mine out if you get chance. I made friends with Liam back in 2019 and we did a video together at Lackford Lakes in October 2019. We're hoping to do another collaboration later this year. Have a great weekend! Best wishes. Graham. 🙂

[@andrewcarter504]

Great stuff keep it up, you are interesting without too much detail but enough to make it interesting and informative thank you.

[@user-we5mn3yo5x]

thank you for good information.

[@AShotOfWildlife]

Thanks.

[@user-we8ii3gb1f]

Herons are probably more despised than Magpies in the general bird world. Herons seem harmless but the ducks, geese and gulls go mad when they see them! I have been on a river bank a few times and all the other birds hate them!

[@AShotOfWildlife]

Yes, I know what you mean. Herons will eat any small birds they catch though, so they are wise to be wary of them.

[@gingerninjawhinger9986]

Thanks, Liam, for sharing such an informative video and it is great to hear the heron's call. The heron is such a majestic bird; there used to be a single heron living around my part of the town, although the Town Pond was over a mile away; I would often see him every morning standing on the rooftops, before, silently, he flew off, such a beautiful sight.

[@AShotOfWildlife]

I had the same thing growing up. I guess it was just nipping nipping into people garden ponds or eating other things except fish. Cheers, I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@renatab8293]

Great work Liam!!!! I have been partying all your videos over the last week. Keep up the wonderful work, love them!

[@AShotOfWildlife]

Cheers. I have loads more videos planned so stay tuned :)

[@renatab8293]

@@AShotOfWildlife You're a prince

[@harryselwind]

See herons regularly cycling or walking along canal towpaths, often on the towpath side staring straight ahead or into the water. Sometimes I walk or cycle right by and they don't move. Other times, as I approach, the heron takes off, flies several yards further along the canal, lands and takes up a similar stance as before. I approach again. The same thing happens. This can go on several time before the bird flies either behind me or to the other side of the cut. Don't think they're quite up there with crows for intelligence.

[@angelalayton1655]

I love your videos I learn so much thank you for making them

[@ramblingrob4693]

I did say before to you I haven't had any notification of your videos for two years

[@gally1047]

Great video thanks! Not far from the river aire where i am, nearly every night without fail there is a grey heron in the same spot looking out and feeding. Great to learn more about them.

[@chrisgibson5267]

Saw one only the other day. It landed on the roof of a house behind me before it moved off onto a tree in a nearby garden. Somebody might well be wondering now why their garden pond is empty of fish.

[@NaturallyCuriousUK]

Nice on Liam. Definitely recognised at least a couple of clips from our Lackford Lakes trip in there - especially the Heron having a bit of a mad moment! Keep up the good work buddy. Delighted to see your channel is doing so well. 👍

[@SouthWestAdventuresview22]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWeceomoq552iM0

[@richrcwx1685]

I'm not a twitcher but i am loving your content, I love our countryside an creatures keep it up great job 👍

[@AShotOfWildlife]

Great! Well the next video won't be about birds so I hope you'll enjoy it :) cheers!

[@9parasqn656]

You said they hold their ' legs close in to the body during flight ' but your video of a Heron in flight shows you are mistaken - the legs are extended. The Bittern on the other hand is the opposite to the Heron .. it has it's neck extended and it's legs close in to the body when flying.

[@lukeallen7764]

Great video, thank you for sharing!! The grey heron is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful birds around! :)

[@Daniel-S1]

Thanks.

[@AShotOfWildlife]

Cheers!

[@raphlvlogs271]

they are more social then I expected

[@philallen5406]

Hi Liam, also only started recently watching your videos from New Zealand , short and to the point but very informative with lots of essential facts, keep it up, Thanks

[@steve20664]

Excellent video, imagine having a new mate every spring.....whoo-hoo!

[@SouthWestAdventuresview22]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWeceomoq552iM0

[@Wotsitorlabart]

A year or two back I sat in a hide overlooking a small lake and watched both fascinated and horrified as a female mandarin duck with half a dozen small ducklings in tow several times swam passed a heron which was standing on the bank. Each time the little flotilla passed the heron it would lean over grab a duckling and with one gulp swallow it whole, the mother duck seemingly oblivious to what was happening behind her.

[@HampshireHog63]

We saw FIFTEEN heron on our neighbours lawn last year (it's a big lawn) - the nearest water is a very small mill pond that usually has just two or three heron sitting around it. Don't know what the party was for! Fantastic birds to watch.

[@andrewdrummond1244]

I saw about 15 Herons together in a field just outside of town the other day. A friend suggested they had just enjoyed a large catch of mackerel and were digesting. They all were facing away from the sea.

[@jennifermarlow.]

The cormorants also line up, all facing the same way, and spread their wings, sunning. We have the Great Blue Heron here, and your Grey is just as magnificent. I learned that herons prey on small mammals and birds, wow. I knew about snakes (and have seen that), but not the others.

[@ranveda6116]

Sr Nice informatin.

[@AShotOfWildlife]

Thanks!

[@jayleigh4642]

Such an elegant looking bird. Thanks Liam 😊

[@AShotOfWildlife]

Cheers. Any similarities between these birds and you?

[@jayleigh4642]

@@AShotOfWildlife I thing the steeling of food… maybe 🤔 Looking peed off in the Winter?? Yes! Definitely… 😂😂😂😂

[@AShotOfWildlife]

@@jayleigh4642 haha, brilliant!

[@SouthWestAdventuresview22]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWeceomoq552iM0

[@klaasdeboer8106]

We have loads of them in and around Amsterdam, they know exactly when the market is going to close and collect on rooftops at 4.45 pm near the place where fish is sold.

[@jimbenge9649]

Loving these videos. I'd love to hear more bird song and calls as this is usually the first sign before a sighting. Great work, keep it up. 🙌🙌

[@387FanGatwick]

They look cute

[@celestenova777]

I often take a walk by my local river and love seeing the herons - amazing how they stand stock still whilst waiting for their prey - and yes they cleared my pond of fish but that's life. Great vids!

[@northernaurora_]

New subscriber here. Love the the short but fact packed format of your videos.

[@SouthWestAdventuresview22]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWeceomoq552iM0

[@user-kv7vw6bk2b]

They love eating fish in ponds I’ve had a few eat up all my fish 🐟

[@Kevin-mx1vi]

Did you know that herons won't land directly into deep water, but will land on the bank and walk into the water. Netting suspended horizontally around the edges of a pond can prevent this because they won't walk on it and hence can't get into your pond.

[@user-kv7vw6bk2b]

@@Kevin-mx1vi nice 1 il try that rather then net the whole pond because my pond is big

[@Kevin-mx1vi]

@@user-kv7vw6bk2b I don't have a pond myself but this has worked for friends who keep Koi.

[@buzzabuzza3494]

Great channel 👏👏

[@AShotOfWildlife]

Thank you!

[@KT-tp7dk]

Amazing footage. Great to know there are that many in the UK. Thank you!

[@ultimatemexicano3535]

Amazing footage! That looks like a huge (do you know what kind?) fish the Heron caught near 1:15! The fish was struggling, but the hungry Heron managed to fully consume (alive?!) it all okay? It looked like the unlucky thing was still desperately kicking inside too! I wonder, does the large fish stand any chance of escaping if eaten in that condition? Maybe it can turn around inside the elastic neck/stomach and has a chance of survival here.

[@MrDagenham]

Another great video been really really enjoying these . Hope you will do rooks soon

[@AShotOfWildlife]

Rooks are certainly on my to do list so stay tuned. I'm glad you've been enjoying these videos :)

[@DarkAngel-yu1ye]

Thanks. Informative series. Recently discovered heron population inhabiting marshes and irrigation waterways from River Llobregat around Barcelona airport Spain. Will now study and photograph heron behaviour after your excellent introduction.

[@rwilifeandtravel1854]

Great video. I've seen herons at my local park lake but I know little about them. I've seen them going after rodents.

[@WalkerSoc]

At a local forest park (and lake) there were between 5-7 herons, all ages. and at least 50 comorants on the centre island, it has been a really good year for these birds. I've never seen so many herons in one quite small area.

[@williamrobinson7435]

These are great! Have you done the grey wagtail yet? I find these most curious, the way they run about.. Cheers! 👍

[@stephenm8797]

I stumbled across your channel a couple of days ago and I’ve been watching through your videos, they’re really packed with information and very enjoyable to watch.

[@SouthWestAdventuresview22]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWeceomoq552iM0

[@mazoomska]

Only recently discovered your videos and can't get enough of them! I tell myself just one more 'shot' but then end up having 6 more 'shots' in a row.. Great informative vids and I always learn something new, perfect footage and just the right amount of run time for each one. LOVE seeing your exponential growth in subscribers - SO well deserved. Great stuff Liam - keep it up!

[@mazoomska]

Meant to say - adding the bird sounds is a great addition!

[@donbateman6230]

One just cleared my brick built pond must have taken 10 to 12 pounds of fish left some feathers .

[@somebodythatiusetoknow2027]

They are everywhere in Ireland ❤

[@raguls364]

பறவை மிகவும் அழகாக இருக்கிறது வாழ்த்துக்கள் வாழ்க வளமுடன்

[@AShotOfWildlife]

Thank you!

[@SouthWestAdventuresview22]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWeceomoq552iM0

[@granttalibard6193]

Hi Liam , I love all British birds and your videos are really interesting and informative , I particularly like sea birds , have you any videos on them ? Keep up the good work . Thanks Grant 😃

[@AShotOfWildlife]

Hi Grant, thanks for your feedback, I'm glad you're enjoying these videos. I have done herring gulls and black headed gulls so far, although these aren't really sea birds. If you change grey heron to either of their names in this videos title and search, those videos should come up. I hope you enjoy!

[@minuishaq631]

Heron came and ate the koi from my pond. Treated it like an all you can eat buffet.

[@SouthWestAdventuresview22]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWeceomoq552iM0

[@Handlesareawful2008]

Thanks For The Facts! A Similer And Related Species Called The Great Blue Heron (Ardea Herodias) Lives In My Area

[@AShotOfWildlife]

Yes. They are very closely related but the great blue is slightly larger and a tiny bit different colour.

[@Handlesareawful2008]

@@AShotOfWildlife Ik Just In Case A Grey Heron Wanders Into My Area Or A Great Blue Into Yours

[@arrowsinterests78]

Great blue herons are what you mean!

[@AShotOfWildlife]

No, I do not mean great blue herons. They are a North American species Where's the grey heron featured in this video is a eurasian species. They are quite similar though.

[@chriselson7413]

Saw a heron floating in the middle of the canal (it's about 12ft deep so ot standing on anything) I thought oh no it's in trouble, but as I got closer it was necking down a pike!!! Took straight off with ease didn't know they could do that 🙈

[@SouthWestAdventuresview22]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWeceomoq552iM0

[@LP-lk1yp]

I need a bit of advice so hoping you might know anything. There’s a pigeon that has made a nest in the tree in my back garden, originally I think she only had 1 egg and it fell out the tree and splattered on the floor (luckily it didn’t look far on at all). We had a look and the nest was empty after this and I’m not surprised the egg fell out because it was really poorly made. Now she’s returned about a week ago and she’s sat on some new eggs (not sure how many). I am really worried that this time around the eggs will be really far on or they’ll hatch and the babies will fall out the tree. She hasn’t made any improvements to the nest and I don’t know what to do. I’m worried to interfere as I don’t want to scare her but at the same time i don’t want any little babies falling out the tree. Should I add twigs or something underneath just in case they fall? Thank you :)

[@accobra383]

A great series of videos and very informative. Unfortunately I keep koi fish and any heron in the vicinity is a complete and utter nightmare causing untold damage and injury to large fish. I was also led to believe that they were territorial and patrolled an area of several square km, but it seems not from this video. Love birds but loathe this creature 😉

[@amorylazlo9579]

3:20 Could Grey Herons point in same direction because they are magnetic?

[@NodrogMacphee]

What are they up to when they stand so still by the waterside , they dont seem to be hunting, unlike egrets?

[@SouthWestAdventuresview22]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWeceomoq552iM0

[@avescriacoes-pedro6681]

garça moura 👍

[@AShotOfWildlife]

Thanks!

[@bigblue7091]

Yip he got 2 of my Pond Fish & he even landed in the Garden at 10pm one night , so BEWARE this Beautiful Bird has Many Tactics 😂Ladder over pond & 2 old Shower Doors ".. 🐌💨💨💨

[@user-iq7sw2rb7k]

Voci Grey HERON TANKU VRY MACH

[@1953streeky]

😁

[@chrisa4882]

Isn't the Heron the earliest nesting bird in the UK?

[@katherinemcmillan5228]

In the everglades they eat snakes.

[@lalameeralalameera7349]

Grey heron is depicted as Osiris the Egyptian God bennu or pheniox

[@SouthWestAdventuresview22]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWeceomoq552iM0

[@markymark3075]

Heron? You mean Old Frank!

[@benhard7999]

The bird from ghibli's the boy and the heron

[@reasonsvoice8554]

I've seen one eating a rat

[@reegan9207]

The most best thing about grey herons is that they eat rats and ducklings

[@lesfez1875]

Horrible bastard things, kill for the sake of it. Often take fish from ponds, spearing them and then discarding, without eating them.

[@Bignfluffy]

New Zealand have zero native deer smh

[@AShotOfWildlife]

That's a random statement to make on this video?!