Birds
must be one of the most frequent visitors to the waters edge not
just water birds but birds of all kinds. They come to drink, feed
or even just to bathe. The number of varieties are too numerous
to count so we shall look just at those who's greater part of
there life revolves around the water. They take all sorts of nourishment
from the water in the form of fish, plants and insects each to
a varying degree and there effects can be beneficial of detrimental
as is natures way.
Once
again we shall try to use examples of different kinds of birds
to give a general overview of there habits and nature.
The
Heron, is perhaps one of the best known inland fishermen, there
are many variety's of Heron and similar wading fish hunting birds,
such as the Egret. All normally hunt there prey by stalking or
standing by the waters edge waiting for an opportune catch. Although
normally a singular bird when hunting many species gather to nest
normally dominating a suitable tree. Many Herons follow a feeding
route if the waters are available and will spend so long at each
before flying on to the next. There main prey are often smaller
fish or fry.
The
Mute Swan is probably one of the best known of all water birds,
who's majestic and serene appearance hide's the true nature of
the bird. When breeding they become very territorial and will
even attack man and a blow from there wings has been known to
break bones. Normally they are grazing birds taking vegetation
from the pond bottom, but also feed on dry land from grazing in
fields. Pairs normally mate for life, and the same nest can be
used to rear many generations.
The
Canada Goose, is a common visitor to ponds and lakes, and can
either be resident or migratory. Vegetarian in nature they graze
on bankside or shallows, and are often noisy when approached.
On larger bodies of water flocks can number in thousands, and
as can be imagined there consumption of vegetation can be considerable.
The
Mallard will visit any size of pond if it sees an opportunity,
they are one of the commonest water birds and many domestic variety's
are from the original Mallard strain. Naturally feeding on vegetation
and small crustasea they are extremely adaptable nesting where
ever they feel safe even in very close proximity to humans.
The
Killdeer is one of the many shorebirds that can be found around
a pond or lakes edges especially if shallows are available.
Mostly they feed
on insects which they will snatch as they work there way along
the waters edge. They nest on open ground making a simple small
depression in which to lay there eggs. If the nest is approached
they will feign injury to draw the intruder away.
