The Grey Heron is more abundant here than it was years ago and can be seen on the coast, in wetland areas and in low lying fields. In flight, the large wings appear hooked and they often advertise their presence with a harsh, grating call. One of the best places to see them is the back of La Claire Mare where ten or more quite often stand around looking like grumpy old men. The Vale Pond is a favourite haunt where they often catch (red-listed!) eels. Rod Ferbrache caught a heron on camera a few years ago when it caught, drowned and ate a Brown Rat. As he pointed out, the drowning was crucial as it has been known for a heron to swallow a rat which then proceeded to eat its way out of the bird!
They hunt by sight and will stand stockstill for a surprising time, waiting for unwary fish (or rats) to come within range and then flashing down in an instant, neck extended, with its dagger-like beak to catch its prey. Fish always go down head first as the scales stay flat and don’t catch in the bird’s throat.
They are resident in Guernsey year round, although numbers drop off during the spring. Presumably, this is when adults leave the island to breed at established heronries. This species do not breed locally. They make nests up in trees, away from disturbance so perhaps the island does not have any habitat that is suitable.
Natural history of the Bailiwick of Guernsey 