Grey Heron

The Grey Heron is a common resident species which can be found throughout Ireland.  It can be found on lakes, rivers, marshes, canals etc, in fact just about anywhere water can be found.

This particular bird was at the ponds in the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, a place I've been visiting with great regularity ever since I was a young boy and grew up a short bus ride away.  The gardens are awash with wildlife and are a good place to get some interesting species if you are prepared to put the time in.  Species like Kingfisher, Dipper, Tree Creeper and Waxwing are just a few of the great birds the gardens have given me, along with all the regulars.  I've attached a link to the gardens below.

http://www.botanicgardens.ie/

This Grey Heron was oblivious to me as it went about its business.  The Herons roost in some of the trees in the gardens and also in the trees that run along the Tolka River on the St Marys School side, so there are usually a Heron or two to be had on every visit.

If you find yourself in Dublin with a few hours to spare I'd strongly recommend a trip out to Glasnevin.  A walk around the gardens is a really great way to pass the day away.