Wednesday, 27 April 2016

Wild Bird Wednesday 196 - White-faced Heron

This species is basically my default heron - its the one I see most often, and the first one that I rule out if I think I may be on to a different species.

These birds are about 65 - 70cm tall, making them about 2/3 of the size of the Grey Herons I grew up with.  The formal name of the White-faced Heron is Egretta novaehollandiae which means Little New Holland Heron.  New Holland was the old name for Australia.  This species is found over much of Australia and as a result it can be seen in a wide range of habitats.  These pictures show it in a freshwater pond on Lord Howe Island, and in shallow sea water nr. Melbourne.








I have been unable to keep up with blog replies this last week - too much other stuff going on - but the next week looks rather more calm!

Click on the familiar blue button to join in with WBW!
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35 comments:

  1. Brian King27 April 2016 at 03:01

    Herons are among my favorites and this one is a very handsome devil! Beautiful photos, Stewart!

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  2. NatureFootstep27 April 2016 at 03:05

    I saw them quite often too when I visited Queensland. A wonderful bird :)

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  3. Author R. Mac Wheeler27 April 2016 at 03:06

    I know those beautiful birds. That's Harold and George, and Maurice.

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  4. Hootin Anni27 April 2016 at 03:11

    I would love to have THESE in America!!! Beautiful.

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  5. eileeninmd27 April 2016 at 03:27

    Hello, wonderful collection of Heron images. It is a beauty! Thanks for hosting, enjoy your week!

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  6. Nette Cecilia27 April 2016 at 03:33

    Lovley photos i lkie that bird ,Nette

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  7. Unknown27 April 2016 at 03:46

    Great shots of this beautiful heron. Thank you for hosting, Stewart.

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  8. Phil Slade27 April 2016 at 04:06

    You may be surprised to know Stewart that the UK default heron is now the Little Egret, apparently more successful than the Grey Heron you mention.

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  9. Rohrerbot27 April 2016 at 04:20

    No stresses:) Life gets like that as we all know. That is one gorgeous heron. And it has the White-face to go with it:)

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  10. DeniseinVA27 April 2016 at 04:43

    Lovely series of photos of this beauty of a bird. I think we all understand when we are not able to visit as often as we like. Not to worry on keeping up the visiting when you're busy. Your photos are enough, fantastic :)

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  11. Silver Parrot27 April 2016 at 05:22

    Interesting - I love to compare how similar-named birds from other parts of the world look to what we have here in California. This bird's bright yellow legs surprised me!

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  12. Sallie (FullTime-Life)27 April 2016 at 06:22

    Just stopping by to thank you for my virtual birding for the week, especially since I've been unable to do any of the real stuff . (I hesitate to use the term 'too busy' when I'm talking to someone who really IS busy and yet still finds time to host and post! Thanks for all you do!!

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  13. TexWisGirl27 April 2016 at 06:57

    so beautiful!

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  14. Valerie27 April 2016 at 07:42

    Great collection of images Stewart. These birds seem so graceful as they step through the water!

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  15. Coloring Outside the Lines27 April 2016 at 07:48

    Nice shots, Stewart. Thanks for hosting!

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  16. sunshine27 April 2016 at 08:18

    Interesting birds, looks a little like a reef heron.

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  17. Liz27 April 2016 at 12:54

    I love White-faced Herons! They are my favourite bird in the Heron & Egret group. You have captured him beautifully, Stewart! Thanks for hosting.

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  18. Linda W.27 April 2016 at 13:40

    Wonderful photos of the heron!

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  19. Anu27 April 2016 at 15:25

    Wonderful series of photos! The White-faced heron look so great.

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  20. Jo27 April 2016 at 16:58

    Hi Stewart, what an amazing looking heron. I love the yellow legs too. Thanks for hosting this meme. I've just managed to link and you're probably at the end of your day already. Greetings Jo (South Africa)

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  21. Adam Jones27 April 2016 at 17:52

    Great pictures. It looks like a real mix of Grey Heron and Little Egret.

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  22. diane b27 April 2016 at 17:59

    I love them. They look elegant and showy with their yellow legs

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  23. Rhodesia27 April 2016 at 20:29

    Great photos Stewart, I love Herons, always so graceful. Diane

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  24. Andrea @ From The Sol27 April 2016 at 23:33

    I like the white on their face. It takes away some of the severe look that our Great Blue Herons have. They are pretty and I am a bit surprised that they are not picky about either fresh water or salt water ... wouldn't have thought it :) This may be a first, that you actually commented on my post before I commented on yours and even before I had linked ... way to go Stewart. That will get you some points :)

    Andrea @ From The Sol

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  25. This N That28 April 2016 at 00:40

    I used to live near wetlands and loved watching the Herons catch voles, take them down to the water and drown them before they swallowed them..Elegant birds..great shots.

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  26. photodoug28 April 2016 at 01:37

    Stewart, Herons are the best. Thanks for sharing.

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  27. Jarek28 April 2016 at 03:23

    Beautiful photos of birds!

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  28. LOLfromPasa28 April 2016 at 06:06

    Snap! Loved seeing your many heron images. Lovely!

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  29. David28 April 2016 at 11:19

    It's always good to find a bird with a name that makes sense!

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  30. GreenComotion28 April 2016 at 11:48

    The photos are very nice.
    I was quite drawn to the reflections - which look like a pencil sketch in some cases.
    How lovely!
    Have a Great Week ahead, Stewart!
    Peace :)

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  31. Anonymous28 April 2016 at 14:19

    Lovely lovely!

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  32. Montanagirl29 April 2016 at 01:54

    That's a really pretty Heron! I have never seen on before.

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  33. Linda29 April 2016 at 04:21

    Really beautiful series and lovely reflections!

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  34. Anonymous30 April 2016 at 12:51

    Great series! I love when I have the occasional heron fly over.

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  35. David M. Gascoigne,3 May 2016 at 00:09

    Ah, I remember it well..........

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