Herons on a cricket pitch?

[salukiwhippet]

I was at one of my regular rabbit control jobs last night, on a village cricket pitch in the middle of several hundred lakes. I was in the pavillion with the night vision, popped by head out of the window to check for bunnies, and saw a heron on the pitch. Nothing too unusual in that, until I went round the corner and saw another 3!

4 in total, all on the pitch. The rabbits were notable by their absence too. What could the herons have been after on a well groomed pitch, when there are hundreds of acres of water, many of them stocked, and countless marshy bits withing a few hundred yards?

Any thoughts appreciated!

James

[Dogghound]

They sometimes roost in open fields. I see a lot doing it on agricultural land, even though it seems they are more vulnerable from predators.

[aeshna5]

The fact the Rabbits were absent may be telling ! Herons are quite partial to small mammals + have possibly learnt to exploit a food source of young Rabbits here- they will certainly take them if the opportunity presents itself.

[Jonathan]

Earthworms, especially if had just been raining. I used to often find foxes in similar places (short turf such as golf courses, etc) at night after a shower of rain, obviously hunting for worms. I'm sure herons will exploit such an easy, nutritious food source too.

Cheers
Jonathan