Out walking on Sunday morning at approx 930am, I disturbed a large bird on the River Irwell next to the Old Mayfield Chicks site. I only saw it briefly before it took off through the trees, but it was a similar size to a grey heron, but was very dark in colour, possibly black. I saw it from behind and as it stretched it's wings and take off, the wings and its back and head were dark. I didn't see what colour the front of it was though, but it did appear to be dark all over from my position. It was standing upright in the water like a grey heron, and took off almost silently. I am not convinced it was a night heron: it was larger than I believe a night heron to be and I couldn't see any pale feathers, though I cannot be certain.
I have seen Night Herons in Mallorca and they are smaller than Grey Herons and their neck is a lot shorter, besides that they are absent from this country, you have probably seen a juvenile Grey in poor light conditions. Failing that it could be a cormorant but very unlikely as they don't do verticle take offs.
Hi Sally I don't know what it might have been. I wonder whether melanism is likely in Grey Heron. It is possible that it may hang around if it is finding food so it may be worth checking the area again over a few days. Let us know if you have any luck.
