Heron fishing as river thaws

Our local Heron grabs a chance to feed as the icy waters of the Eden start to flow again.

Over four weeks of below freezing temperatures resulted in our rivers freezing over for the first time in many years.

Waterside wildlife such as this heron will have struggled to feed during this time, so the the last 24 hours of thaw have been a welcome break for birds and mammals.

We took the opportunity to get some film footage of the otter which had been spotted a couple of days ago, but now that most of the ice has melted, he has likely returned to his nocturnal activities and will be very difficult to find during the day.

Grey Heron

A heron decided to grace us with his presence and then sat motionless in the winter grasses, watching and waiting for a much need fish dinner.

Grey Herons are quite a common sight along the river Eden and regularly plunder our nearby fish ponds as well.

The largest of the European herons, this bird can sit for long periods of time at the water’s edge, looking for food.

It is quite difficult to get close to these riverside birds, although they seem singularly intent on their quarry, they are very much aware of activity around them and usually fly to a safe distance once approached.

Native Riverside Bird

A native bird of the British Isles, Grey herons can be seen all year round.

Waiting along a river or estuary bank, they will also wade into shallow water, looking for small fish and amphibians.

A heron in flight has an almost prehistoric form.

A distinctive M shape formed by it’s rounded wings and the head pulled back, with long legs trailing loosely behind.

More information

RSPB – Find out more about our native Grey Heron and listen to its call.

Eden Rivers Trust – Discover more about the River Eden. A site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).