STEALTH AND BEAUTY

Tonight I bring you two of the most efficient hunters to be found on saltwater margins and freshwater rivers & lakes.

How wonderful to watch the Little Egret wading through shallow water, suddenly making small darting runs to pick up small fish or Aquatic Insects or standing still shuffling it's feet and quickly picking off the delights it dislodges. The pristine white feathers and black legs with bright yellow feet,the sharp but savage look in the eye makes this a beauty to behold.

THE LITTLE EGRET ON THE HAYLE ESTUARY.

Secondly we have the Grey heron, a much larger bird which has an almost Regal posture. This bird on the Marazion Marshes was moving through the water and not making a ripple, stopping for long periods and letting it's prey come within striking distance. Suddenly striking into the water bringing a fish or frog, or maybe a newt up in its powerful bill. This predator catches large prey, many a time I have seen them catch really big flatfish in the estuaries , and in freshwater Reservoirs Trout that any fisherman would be proud of. Normally in these situations a fearsome struggle ensues from which there is always one victor " The Grey Heron" a King amongst hunters.

THE GREY HERON ON THE MARAZION MARSHES.