Today was dull overcast day but I couldn’t resist going back to Leegomery Pools to look for the goslings I mentioned in my previous post.

The dull overcast day meant that the pathways were quiet. I saw few people and was able to linger and enjoy the cute goslings who were leading their parents around the pool.

As I was photographing the goslings, Mr Heron flew overhead and settled at the opposite end of the pool before flying overhead again and choosing a different perch. By the time I resumed my walk he had hidden himself from view. Near to where I saw him in close proximity a few days ago a Greylag Goose was standing on one leg!

PS: My photos are not the best quality but I hope  you enjoy what I saw on my walk

I walked a different route to one of my local pools and once there I noticed that the Heron was sitting on one of his usual perches, surveying the pool. Every now and then he would fly over the ducks and geese, chasing them away before landing on the edge of the pool. Back and forth he flew before settling on a low branch at the other end of the pool.

I followed him round and caught a picture of him sitting there before he flew to resume his original position in the middle of the pool. Every now and then he took flight to chase the ducks, geese and seagulls away from his territory, eventually settling on the bank just out of view.

I continued walking around the lake taking care not to startle him. When I got to where he had settled, I was just able to see him. He looked like he was settling down for a sleep when I heard a loud ‘kaark’ sound followed by second heron flying in low to chase him off. What a sight that was! It happened far too quickly for me to get to my camera in time.

I resumed my walk stopping to take some pictures of the geese settled round the edge of the pool. As I was taking photos the heron returned, settled on the same low branch at the far end of the pool before deeming it safe to stand once again in the middle of the pool surveying his territory. Surveying complete he flew off, leaving me to continue my walk.

After lunch I donned my #walk1000miles 2020 badge and set off on a local walk. Due to having guests for an evening meal to celebrate New Year’s day I wasn’t able to venture further afield.

Along the way I was able to sit on one of my favourite benches and watch the antics of the ducks and geese. Whilst I was sitting I was treated to the delight of seeing the resident Heron in flight before he alighted on his lofty perch.