Grey Heron | Hainault Forest

Grey Heron

Ardea cinerea

Britain's largest long-legged wading bird. They often visit Hainault Lake to feed on fish. When a fish is caught it is usually tossed into the air and swallowed head-first so that the scales and fins don’t catch in the throat. Herons also stand in meadows waiting to spear small mammals and amphibians with their long bills. Remains left on the ground from a Heron's hunting trip may include such items as frog innards and black egg masses.

Birds