schiffornis
AWBirder
night heron showing well on the river walk at catton village this pm.
cheers
one man and his dog
Great Shot oreally smart bird!
night heron showing well on the river walk at catton village this pm.
cheers
one man and his dog
Can't see it being predation, so that leaves nest disturbance or being shot... I thought as much. There's a hotel with aspirations of grandeur just by the rookery, I wouldn't mind betting they might have had a hand in it, as it seems to be in different ownership to last year.
Check the hotel menu for clues. Do they serve Rook Pie?
Seriously, Rooks make quite a noise so wouldn't be surprised if they have all been exterminated.
Excellent shot, it looks wilder than some.
Went and got it tonight. Smart looking bird. Just one other birder at first then had it to myself - possibly the footie, or possibly because it may be considered an escape?
Apparently it is quite tame, and has a liking for pilchards, plus cat and dog food, but it could still be wild IMO.
Interesting that it chooses to roost on far bank away from footpath. Birds are opportunists and taking an easy meal doesn't necessarily spell escape.
If you do go, no easy access. Strictly speaking it should be a long walk along the riverside footpath from the village. I think I did what Andy did and blasted across the farmer's field, albeit along dry tractor tracks between the crops.
Seriously, Rooks make quite a noise so wouldn't be surprised if they have all been exterminated.
I don't dress well enough to get into the hotel to look at the menu!