Herons in the Rain

[Richard Wiegold]

Hi!

There seem to be more Herons on the wing when it's raining. Does anyone else agree with me or know why they might be more active in these conditions?

Richard Wiegold

[gordon g]

Perhaps the rain obscures their view of fish, so making it a good time to move spots? (Not wasting feeding time?)
Locally I have found one bird which persistently flies and hunts at night (around 11pm onwards) - I've seen them active at dusk a lot, but not at night, so I'd be interested if anyone else has seen this behaviour.

[showaddy]

Yes I've notice both of these things - the flying in the rain, and also in the dark. I walk through local fields at night on a regular basis, and frequently find herons flying at night. There is some light in the sky from the nearby town and this seems to be adequate for them.

Mallard will readily fly in near-dark too, if surprised. This seems odd for a bird which - female at least - is able to hide so completely in daylight when nesting.

[Richard Wiegold]

Interesting thoughts...

I once got very close to a heron who was busy night-fishing in the harbour in Wexford town, and I've also seen them fishing and flying at night in Cork town. Oddly, I haven't noticed this in the UK, but I think herons are less common here.

Richard Wiegold