The writer Horatio Clare reflects on the many tales told about the grey heron. They were seen as birds of augury by the Romans, or with a religious bent by the poet Dylan Thomas, and for Horatio their appearance makes them seem like judges, rather aloof and out of touch. But Horatio has watched herons, and writes of their patience and spearing in catching fish, and the intensity of their concentration on every eddy of water.

Produced by Sophie Anton for BBC Audio Production in Bristol.

This programme features audio from Xeno-Canto by Joost van Bruggen (XC760392 and XC947557 - Grey Heron)