More often than not, whenever I came across Purple Herons (Ardea purpurea) around ponds and waterways in Portugal it was usually them, with exceptional eyesight, who saw me first and I would catch a short glimpse as they either took off (below) or disappeared further into the reed beds surrounding the water. However, whenever I did get a chance for a little more than just a glimpse I was always taken in by their smart colouration and markings – they often just blended in so well with their environment. Like other herons they will primarily feed on fish and amphibians, but they have been know to diversify their feeding habits and take small birds, reptiles and insects amongst others.
