This large waterbird is probably our most familiar of the herons as it is a resident in the UK and it’s general grey colouring sets it apart from other species. It has a white neck and yellow dagger-like beak and flies with slow wing beats that droop at the ends. It is a common bird in the parish and can be seen around any water bodies including visits to garden ponds especially if they are stocked with fish. They breed in communal colonies and there is now a small colony that can be viewed from the Downslink about 200 metres north of Stretham Manor.