Fabulous views through the 'scope last night for myself and Alex Jones at Thornton Reservoir, Leicestershire of the reported Night Heron.
Initially the bird was roosting in a Willow tree on the opposite side of the Reservoir where distant but good views were had. After around 15 minutes or so however, the bird took flight and it was great to compare it's size particularly in flight to that of a Grey Heron (roughly half the size).
We quickly made our way to where the bird had flown to and we and the other birders present,were treated to excellent close-up views down to just 20 metres or so as it fed away happily on the main water outlet.
Although a 1st summer bird, there was still a lot of grey plumage coming through, as well as a much darker crown than anticipated. Also the classic bright yellow legs and big red eye. A cracking bird!
A calling Kingfisher flashed by too to cap off a great evening in the warm sunshine.
-- Edited by Phil Owen on Friday 2nd of August 2013 06:35:52 PM
-- Edited by Phil Owen on Friday 2nd of August 2013 06:36:55 PM
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Friday 2nd of August 2013 07:22:50 PM
