Heron?

[ELAINEK]

I think i saw a heron, but it was a long way off flying and landed in an old mill window, high above ground level. It was whitish with black tipped wings. would these birds nest in an old mill?

[Tursiops2]

Hallo Elainek, welcome to the forum.
That doesn't sound like a heron. If what you saw was a large long-winged, long-necked bird, white stork can't be ruled out. These are rare visitors to Britain from the Continent which I believe have made sporadic attempts to breed here in recent years. Herons wouldn't nest in an old mill, but storks do sometimes nest on the roofs or chimneys of buildings. What part of the country are you in, and what is the general environment like around where you saw the bird? When you say old mill, how old? Derelict?

Tursiops2

[ELAINEK]

hi , im in Halifax. The mill is deralict, been on fire at one point.close to where there used to be a pond, but not any more because they are developing the area.also close to the tip and recycling centre.

[Tursiops2]

So fairly urban then? I lived up that way for a while, so I know the sort of mill you mean. Is there a river nearby? It doesn't sound much like stork country, but "whitish with black wingtips" doesn't sound like heron either. What was it made you think heron?
T2

[ELAINEK]

There is a nearby river and would not take long for a bird to get to local beauty spot where there is a reservoir. I, and friends, have seen herons flying over fields nearby but i have not seen one as close as this so can`t really compare. I think the mill is due, or close to being demolished. should i inform somebody?

[GuyF]

Here's a comparison.
Theses are White Storks, picture taken by John.

And this is a Heron, picture taken by Gez.

Guy

[ELAINEK]

Thank For Photos Think It Was A Heron