Herons & Egrets

Egrets and herons are the tall wading birds typical of the Vendée marshes. They stand motionless at the water's edge, waiting patiently for a fish or frog to come within reach — then strike with surprising speed. Each species has its own technique: the grey heron fishes from the bank, the great egret wades slowly through shallow water, and the night heron prefers to wait until dark. The cattle egret is the odd one out: it follows cows through the meadows, snatching up insects disturbed by their hooves.