We heard a loud, deep squawk or screech and then we heard a loud bark or two from the heronry woods - that can't be a dog in the marsh but it sounds like one.
There were a few grey herons moving about so that explains the squawk but what was the other sound ? One of our nature-wise volunteer wardens (VWs) said " it's a muntjac deer, they are small, and they will call at this time of year, searching out for a mate."
So if you hear a loud dog-like bark coming from the woods, near to the ground, it's probably a small deer. But if it's higher off the ground, then it's probably a heron.
A mystery was solved. Both heron and muntjac deer were vying for air time, and maybe space . Nature was in fine voice.