A Grey Heron, Ardea cinerea, flying over a wetland at dawn.

Photographed in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, in October.

This wading bird is native throughout Europe, Asia and parts of Africa.
It is around 90- 100 centimetres in height with a wingspan between 175-195 centimetres.
It feeds on fish, frogs, small mammals and birds.
The heron nests in colonies in tall trees.

The British population is estimated at 10,300 breeding pairs, with up to 30,000 individuals present during the winter; there is significant immigration in winter from the Continent.
The European population is 120 - 130,000 pairs.

Location: Aberdeenshire, Scotland.