Heron

The grey heron lives near ponds, streams, marshes, lakes, rivers and flooded areas. Slender and majestic, the heron has excellent lateral and frontal vision. In addition, its hearing is highly developed, so it can react to the slightest noise. These senses make them excellent and formidable fishers. Its long legs enable it to walk in shallow water and spot its prey on the surface. It can stand still for long periods without moving, activating all its senses to detect prey. When the prey appears, it relaxes its neck with dazzling precision, skewering it with its dagger-like beak. They tend to breed in colonies known as heronries. These are most often found high up in the trees of a wood or copse, on the edge of a forest. The Grey Heron is a partial migrant. Its migratory behavior varies according to the winter climate on its breeding grounds. Breeding populations in Hokkaido head south for the winter.