Squacco Heron, Lake Chiusi, Tuscany

Several years ago we visited Lago Chiusi and it was a gem, a little wildlife haven with Black Winged Stilts, Penduline Tits, various Herons, Cuckoos and Reed Warblers to name but a few.  

I've been eager to revisit and this year we had the chance whilst staying nearby at Lago Trasimeno in Umbria.

But this area of the Italian Peninsula has suffered with very heavy rainfall and seen much flooding around the lakes.  Many of the lakeside trees have started to die and the water just seems a bit too deep for some of the usual waders.

However, it was a joy to hear the Cuckoo, which still seems prolific throughout the area; to catch a glimpse of the now endangered Turtle Dove and to hear so many Reed Warblers gently croaking to each other deep inside the reed beds.

But the highlight of the visit - the Squacco Herons.  Like slow motion ballet dancers they gracefully manoeuvre across the surface of vibrant lily pads in search of unsuspecting prey lurking just beneath.