Vantage Point

The River Misbourne, England (May 2019)

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There are so many ways in which human development can harm both native and migrating species. The millions of migrating birds killed in the United States every year from colliding with windows are an example of this. However, many species have a remarkable ability to adapt to their changing surroundings. This grey heron, Europe’s largest species of heron, is a regular where I live. Even though the grey heron is thought of by many as a fish-snatching pest, this bird is ethereal and helps maintain balance in its ecosystem.

I certainly did not expect to see this elegant bird walking along a roof. Its movements are slow and calculating, and it always seems to know when I am observing it. After the heron slowly made its way to the edge of the roof and tilted its head down, I realised it had a direct view over the river and that it must be watching for prey. The one surviving fish in my pond has learnt to outsmart it after gradually saying goodbye to all its pond mates, so the heron has to focus its efforts on the river. I always get a surge of excitement when I witness a behaviour I haven’t seen before.