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!

35 comments:

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

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

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  6. Lovley photos i lkie that bird ,Nette

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

    ReplyDelete
  8. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  9. 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:)

    ReplyDelete
  10. 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 :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  12. 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!!

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

    ReplyDelete
  14. Nice shots, Stewart. Thanks for hosting!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Interesting birds, looks a little like a reef heron.

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

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wonderful photos of the heron!

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

    ReplyDelete
  19. 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)

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  23. 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

    ReplyDelete
  24. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Stewart, Herons are the best. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Beautiful photos of birds!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Snap! Loved seeing your many heron images. Lovely!

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

    ReplyDelete
  29. 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 :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Lovely lovely!

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

    ReplyDelete
  32. Really beautiful series and lovely reflections!

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

    ReplyDelete