The Grey Heron is found in Europe, Asia and Africa and forms a superspecies with the Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) of North America and the White-necked Heron (Ardea cocoi) of South America. Being parts of a superspecies they are all very similar.

The first photo was taken in a neighbour's garden where the Heron had landed in April to feed on the frog spawn. The 3rd and 4th photos are of a juvenile taken in the month of September. Photo 7 was taken at the Al Ain oasis in Abu Dhabi. I never thought that I would ever see a Grey Heron flying over the desert!

Herons have two main methods of hunting. The first is known technically as "Standing Still" and the second as "Walking Slowly"

There is more information available via Avibase.