Heron

The Heron is not a seabird, it’s a wading bird more associated with being seen on riverbanks, lochs and reed beds however over the last three years I have noticed one frequent visitor to Downies Haven and Cammachmore Bay. Their habitat and diet is usually based on freshwater locations and I can only surmise that this particular bird has developed a taste for seafood as it can often be seen standing on the foreshore near to the waters edge. 

This Heron appears to be tolerated by the seabirds around it until it takes flight, then, as soon as it takes to the air it is followed, chased and attacked by groups of four or five squawking Herring Gulls who will escort the Heron “off the premises”.  These attacks only appear to happen during the Herring Gull nesting season so I’m assuming that this Heron may also have developed a taste for Gulls Eggs or baby chicks?