If you have been watching the herons here at Middleton Lakes, I'm sure you have noticed the neck.
When flying, the bird needs to look small (safer at a distance) and tucks the neck into the shoulders.
As it nears the nesting area it has to look larger (one of the home-protectors is coming home) and so the necks unfurls.
When at the heronry, the neck is fully stretched - full and proud to be a parent.
Thanks to Ken Rogers for these amazing photos.
Stage 1 - neck tucked in ....
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Stage 2 - neck unfurling ....
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Stage 3 - neck out - at home and around the nest area
It's great being a heron ....
Brilliant photo's.