The common heron in our ash tree

I saw this heron several times today perched forty foot up at the top of the old ash tree at the bottom of the garden. This branch has become a regular perch for it despite it also being favoured as a perch by countless pigeons, crows and magpies. The magpies in particular become very put out by its presence, but today they kept their distance and the heron was left relatively alone.

The sun had already set behind Rodborough Common on the distant hillside across the main Golden Valley. When the heron finally took off to presumably return to its night time quarters you can see it heading up the valley, but that was just to avoid the branches of the ash. As soon as it was clear it did an about turn and headed down towards the River Frome at the bottom of the Golden Valley.