Grey Heron

The rather large bird standing on long legs along ditches and ponds is usually the grey heron. Because it can stand so motionless, it can be difficult to distinguish it from the plastic models placed next to garden ponds. Like other herons and bitterns, it holds its neck in an S-shaped position, making it easy to distinguish it in flight from spoonbills, storks and cranes. Grey herons stab their prey with their strong pointed bill. They make bulky nests from sticks, in which the chicks live in up to 50 days! The S-curve in its neck makes it difficult for the heron to swallow large prey. Should it catch a large fish, the heron will stretch its neck which shifts a neck bone so that a long straight tunnel forms.