Herons & Egrets in Hertfordshire
5 species matching this filter.
Hertfordshire's rivers, reservoirs, and wetland habitats support a fascinating variety of herons and egrets, with 5 species recorded across the county. The Grey Heron is a familiar sight along waterways such as the River Lea and the River Colne, while the elegant Little Egret has become an increasingly common visitor in recent decades. Rarer sightings, including the elusive Eurasian Bittern and the striking Black-crowned Night-heron, make Hertfordshire a rewarding county for those keen to observe this remarkable family of waterbirds.
Black-crowned Night-heron
Nycticorax nycticoraxLC
A rare passage visitor with occasional July records. Any sighting in Hertfordshire is a notable event, likely involving a wandering continental bird.
Jul
Eurasian Bittern
Botaurus stellarisLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to reedbeds and wetland reserves, mainly in winter. Sites like Rye Meads and Tring Reservoirs offer the best chances.
Aug–Mar
Great White Egret
Ardea albaLC
A rare but increasingly recorded non-breeding visitor to wetlands and river valleys, reflecting the species' ongoing expansion across southern England.
Sep–Mar
Grey Heron
Ardea cinereaLC
A common year-round resident, often seen standing motionless at gravel pits, rivers, and garden ponds across the county.
Year-round
Little Egret
Egretta garzettaLC
Now a common resident at lakes, rivers and gravel pits, having colonised the county in recent decades. A real success story.
Year-round