Stately and solitary, the heron is one of our most distinctive and familiar birds.
Stroud Times editor Ash Loveridge captured the moment a heron took flight at Ruskin Mill this evening, Monday.
Herons are long-legged, long-necked birds that belong to the Ardeidae family, with about 60 species, including some called egrets or bitterns.
They are carnivorous, primarily feeding on fish, and are found in various freshwater and coastal habitats around the world. Herons are known for their hunting techniques, often standing motionless near the water’s edge, then striking swiftly with their long necks.