Looking at a bird that reminds you of a dinosaur? You may well be looking at an egret, heron, crane or spoonbill. These majestic birds can be spotted around Kent, learn more in our species guides!
The shy and retiring bittern is a master of blending in and can be very difficult to spot in its reedbed home. It does sound like a booming foghorn, however, when it calls, so can often be heard if it cannot be seen.
Spot these tall, prehistoric looking birds standing like a statue on the edge of ponds and lakes, contemplating their next meal.
The elegant little egret was once a rare visitor to our shores, but can now regularly be spotted around the coastline of England and Wales. Look out for its beautiful neck plumes that herald the breeding season.
The distinctive sight of a spoonbill is becoming increasingly common in the east and southwest of England, with colonies of breeding birds now established.
As the name suggests, this tall, white heron is considerably larger than the similar little egret. Once a rare visitor to the UK, sightings have become more common over the last few decades, with several pairs now breeding.
As the UK’s tallest bird the common crane is instantly recognisable with the ruffle of tail feathers and very long legs. Their bugling call is also very distinctive.
This small, white heron is an increasingly common sight in parts of the UK as it spreads north from continental Europe.
This glossy wading bird is a scarce visitor to the UK, though records have become more common in recent decades.
