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Project Noah Nature School
Ardea Cinerea
It is a large bird, standing up to 100 cm (39 in) tall and measuring 84–102 cm (33–40 in) long with a 155–195 cm (61–77 in) wingspan.[2] The body weight can range from 1.02–2.08 kg (2.2–4.6 lb). Its plumage is largely grey above, and off-white below. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium and slender crest, while immatures have a dull grey head. It has a powerful, pinkish-yellow bill, which is brighter in breeding adults. It has a slow flight, with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns, and distinguishes them from storks, cranes and spoonbills, which extend their necks. The call is a loud croaking "fraaank". The Australian White-faced Heron is often incorrectly called a Grey Heron. In Ireland the grey heron is often colloquially called a "crane".
The Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), is a wading bird of the heron family Ardeidae, native throughout temperate Europe and Asia and also parts of Africa. It is resident in the milder south and west, but many birds retreat in winter from the ice in colder regions. It has become common in summer even inside the Arctic circle along the Norwegian coast
spotted in the Vila Nova de Gaia Biological Park i think the second photo is the best,but i like the efect of the close up in reverse :) Two last photos show's the place,not bad after all,nice pool,respectable neighbourhood,quit place :)
Spotted on Jun 20, 2012
Submitted on Jun 21, 2012
8 Comments
thanks Alice
Good-looking Heron, Like your series!
thanks NuwanChathuranga,you are very kind
beautiful series !!
@Willie thanks for you kind words,i knowed today that is in preparation the second phase of the project with more ten hectares of ancien farms now abandoned
@Janson i tell you that if i leved there i would vote in the guy that make this,it's not of my politic simpaty,but put in place a net of several protectd areas,i make spotting in the river douro estuary protected area,and there more two that i want to se in future,and this Biological Park is the center with the vet's instalations,recoverfacilitys,educatif auditioriun,biorama,restaurant with vegetarien menu if you want:)fantstic,i'am amazed ,realy amazed,these guys deserv support:)
Yes i consider that so,not hugh,but very peaceful as you say,the ideal it would be much larger but it's very dificult to rase the money to do it and some times even more dificult to mantain the facilitys,it's better a more little place that they have the money to go on,in the end of these 3 visits that we make there the global ,impression is much more positif than i ever dream :)
Another wonderful photo of a bird that will get the attention and care it now needs. Wonderful photo AntónioGinjaGinja and wonderful that you can volunteer some of your time at this place.
looks like a nice ,peaceful setting for these birds!