Elusive green heron survives the floods

Published: 12:31PM Nov 19th, 2010
By: Steve Ott

The Lost Gardens of Heligan most famous visitor this year has been an incredibly rare Green Heron that has been staying in the Lost Valley, and was recorded by Heligan’s wildlife team early in October

The green heron goes fishing

Following Wednesday’s flooding – and widespread damage at The Lost Gardens of Heligan – there was fear for the bird’s safety, but as this picture by Richard Stafford shows, the heron appears to be thriving amidst the waters around him.

Although the birds are quite widespread across their native countries of the United States and southern Canada, they are certainly not expected to purposely make the long and arduous journey across the Atlantic Ocean to the UK. It is thought possible that the Green Heron may have been blown off course during its annual winter migration.

This fascinating fish eating bird has an unusual means of hunting for food. It commonly will drop bait onto the surface of the water to attract small fish for it to catch. Hopefully the well stocked and unpolluted water courses at Heligan will have supplied it with a welcome feast after its incredible journey.

· The first ever sighting of a Green Heron in Cornwall was recorded in 1889.

· With a total of only 10 sightings in the UK since records began this is a truly extraordinary sight.

· The bird has not been spotted in the UK since 2008 when one was seen in West Hythe, Kent.

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