Grey Heron, (Ardea cinerea)

The largest European heron. It can stand with neck stretched out as in the top photograph, looking for food, or hunch down with its neck bent over its chest. 

This image was taken in the River Tweed near Peebles in the Scottish borders. It stalks its food, often standing motionless for some considerable time. It usually feeds close to the bank or shore, but may wade out into shallow water. This Heron was just above a small weir, it must have been a favourite fishing position as I saw the bird in the same spot three days running. 

The second image clearly shows that in flight it holds its neck retracted and has large rounded wings. 

This was photographed near a large nesting site at Washington Wildfowl Centre - Well worth a visit!