Heron on a grey day.

A pair of Grey Herons spotted at Titchfield Haven, these large gangly birds have quite a character and remind me of a prehistoric creature from the times of the dinosaurs.

Length:90-98cm Wingspan:175-195cm Weight:1.5-2kg

According to the RSPB, some 13000 birds nest in the UK each year, their numbers increase in the winter months to 63,000 birds (October to March).

Herons nest in colonies called ‘Heronries’. In the top of trees, they make large nests out of twigs. They lay 3-4 eggs. The young birds will fledge after about 8 weeks.

The day before.

I spent a Christmas Eve outside on the beach enjoying the open air and nature that was around. The Sanderlings were doing what they do most of the time – sleeping on the shingle and then dodging the spray and waves bathing and feeding.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Stay safe