Herons are often seen stood as still as a statue on their long thin legs in shallow waters of ponds and lakes patiently waiting for their next meal to swim by. Herons are often seen waiting alongside the many rivers in the Peak District.

These tall birds spend most of their time alone feeding mainly on fish but can be tempted by the occasional tasty mole! When feeling particularly lazy the heron will visit gardens with ponds for a quick and easy snack.

There is a herony at Macclesfield Forest and you can see these elegant birds sat in the tall trees.

Make sure you look out for these incredible birds in flight, their slow-flapping wings and long legs held out behind make them hard to miss!

How to identify a Grey Heron

The heron is an easily recognised, grey-backed bird, with long legs, a long, white neck, bright yellow bill and a black eyestripe that continues as long, drooping feathers down the neck. Flies with its long legs stretched out, but its neck pulled in.

Found throughout town and countryside, on canals, ponds, lakes and rivers across the Peak District.