Ardea cinerea
The conspicuous and well-known Grey Heron is widespread over most of Eurasia and Africa, being a seasonal migrant over much of that range. The South African population however is resident throughout the year. It is a large heron, standing a metre tall and weighing up to 2kg.
Grey Herons frequent shallow pans, dams, slow flowing rivers, marshlands, lagoons, estuaries and sheltered rock pools in coastal waters, and are seldom seen away from aquatic habitats such as these. They breed communally, often in mixed colonies together with other types of herons, egrets, ibisses and cormorants, in reedbeds, stands of tall trees near water or on cliffs. in South Africa nesting has been recorded throughout the year, with a peak in spring and early summer. Nests are platforms built of sticks and reeds, and often used year after year, being ever expanded until it becomes too bulky to stay intact. Clutches contain three to five eggs, incubated by both parents for around 25 days. Chicks fledge at about two months old. Grey Herons are active by day (especially around dawn and dusk), hunting for fish, frogs, crabs and other aquatic invertebrates, and small mammals and birds. At night they sleep in tall trees or on cliffs, often in groups.
The IUCN evaluates the Grey Heron as “Least Concern” thanks to its wide distribution and large population (estimated at as many as 3.7-million). They occur commonly all over South Africa, although in the drier western parts of the country they are concentrated along the coast and major river courses, and have benefited from the building of artificial waterbodies and planting of exotic trees in especially arid areas.
The Grey Heron closely resembles the larger Great Blue Heron that occurs in North America and the Caribbean.
DeWetsWild 
Ek wonder… as ‘n mens een vang hier in Ierland en gaan loslaat in Suid Afrika of hy/ sy sal oorleef?
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Waarskynlik sal hy – ons weer is meeste van die tyd baie lekkerder as julle s’n! 😉
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Dankie vir daai herhindering! Ek hoor die nat op die dak… al weer ‘n lekker somer’s dag hier!! 😦
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beautiful photos……..amazing Grey Heron…..
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They’re most interesting to watch as they go about their daily life
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Brilliant photos… In Canada and here in Mexico where I am now, we have the Blue Herons and, they are very similar indeed. Love you blog.
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Amazing that two species can be so close in looks and habits!
Dries de Wet http://www.dewetswild.com dewetswild@yahoo.co.za
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Wonderful birds. Rather elegant fishers.
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Indeed they are!
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We have these around here. In fact, I saw one just the other day. I really like fishing birds and enjoying watching their patient waiting, slow-motion walking, and quick strikes when food is spotted.
janet
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And they seem to have an excellent success rate, don’t they!? You hardly ever see them miss!
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Very true!
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We have these guys, had one eat all the Goldfish out of my neighbors pond, well, him & the raccoons! 🙂
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I’m sure they wouldn’t pass on the opportunity of an easy meal! 😀
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Oh my the heron on the hippo! great shot. I just don’t seem to have the patience when it comes to birds……..such a wonderful gallery
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Thanks a lot, Julie!
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