Grey Heron
(Ardea cinerea)
The largest European heron, resident in the UK. It feeds mainly on fish and often comes to gardens with fish ponds and fish farms. It can stand with neck stretched out, looking for food, or hunch down with its neck bent over its chest. In flight it holds its neck retracted and has large rounded wings. It is usually solitary although several birds may feed fairly close together. It stalks its food, often standing motionless for some considerable time. It usually feeds close to the bank or shore, but may wade out into shallow water.