Grey Heron ( Ardea cinerea )

Another day of good weather.  I felt confident in keeping the camera on deck.  I always worry that I might be busy with a lock when a shower happens, nobody on deck would have time to take the camera below.

During the week we have been seeing a number of this years young Herons.  In general they have been very trusting but I haven't had the camera to hand.  Finally I managed a shot.  The lack of plumes on the head show it is an immature.  Herons in the early 2000s were showing the highest population level of the 75 years of the British Trust for Ornithology Heron Census.  The maximum age proved by ringing is 29 years 9 months 2 days.