There were so many herons at the heronry today that it was impossible to count them; there were seven in one part of a tree alone. I stopped counting at 18 because I could hear herons squawking from parts of the heronry that I couldn’t see. They were in the trees, on nests, on the ground and in the air. I heard beak clacking, which heron chicks use to beg food from their parents. It might have been a female on eggs begging for her dinner.
My binoculars were trained on the heronry when something obscured my view. I lowered the binns and there in front of me were two men with rifles – air rifles I hope: one around 35 years of age and the other in his late twenties I reckon. I could hardly believe my eyes” This is private property and hunting is not allowed!” I shouted. “The stock fencing should have been a clue!” “The guns are for target practice!” the older man shouted back. “And the herons are probably your targets,” I muttered under my breath. The older man had his rifle in its case, but the younger one had his telescoped rifle in his hands ready to shoot.
The whole island has recently been stock fenced, which seems to be an invitation for people to trespass and do as they please; the fence must make them feel safe.
I watched the men leave the island and walk along the canal toe path towards Kidderminster.
You should have taken photos of the men for further reference. Some people are so selfish
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I will remember them, should they turn up again.
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Wow so many herons, they’ve clearly found a good spot! What a pity some people see it as an opportunity for “sport”. Hopefully you scared them off for good.
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It must be due to the improvement work recently completed around the heronry; the herons obviously like what we have done.
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It must be nice to be appreciated 🙂
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The herons don’t appreciate me, but they seem to appreciate the open space and pools around their home.
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🙂
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The riflemen must have got a shock.
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Probably less of a shock than I had, Tom.
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I was once about to check an orienteering course in some woods when a party of men appeared armed with side guns. I was told that they went rabbit shooting there.
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When you come across men with guns, especially if they are not supposed to be there, they are likely to give you a cock and bull story, Tom.
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I didn’t speak them. One who knew told me.
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Glad you were there to protect the herons. Don’t understand how some people take pleasure in shooting other living creatures.
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Fortunately, the herons are protected by a series of deep soft bottomed pools, Emily. I will keep a special eye on the heronry now.
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That’s good to hear 🙂
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