Herons on the Central Coast: The Quiet Hunters of Our Wetlands
If you’ve ever walked by a lagoon, creek, or lake on the Central Coast and spotted a tall, slim bird standing perfectly still, chances are you’ve seen a heron. These graceful birds are expert hunters, known for their patience, long legs, and slow, sneaky movements.
They might not make a lot of noise or splash around like ducks, but herons are a beautiful part of our local birdlife – and once you spot one, you’ll start noticing them more often.
What is a heron?
Herons are long-legged wading birds that spend their time around shallow water, hunting for fish, frogs, insects, and small crustaceans. They move slowly and strike fast – using their long, pointed beaks to snatch up prey with impressive accuracy.
We see a few different types of herons on the Central Coast, including:
White-faced Heron – the most common, with grey-blue feathers and a white face.
Striated Heron – smaller and stockier, often hunched over near rocks and mangroves.
Nankeen Night Heron – shy and mostly active at dawn or dusk, with chestnut and cream colouring.
Herons can look quite different depending on the type, but they all have a calm, focused way of moving – like little ninja fishermen.
Where can you see them?
Herons are found all over the Central Coast, especially in calm, shallow water where they can hunt. Great places to spot them include:
Tuggerah Lake – especially near the shore at The Entrance or Chittaway.
Brisbane Water – around Woy Woy, Davistown and Gosford.
Avoca Lagoon and Wamberal Lagoon – quiet, peaceful spots they love.
Wyong River, Ourimbah Creek, and wetlands in suburban areas.
Look along the water’s edge, near reeds, rocks or sandbanks – anywhere they can sneak up on their next meal.
What do they eat?
Herons are carnivores and eat all sorts of small water creatures. Their main diet includes:
Fish
Frogs
Crabs and yabbies
Insects and worms
They usually stand still or move very slowly, watching the water. Then, in a flash, they strike with that long beak and grab their food. It’s like watching a slow-motion hunter suddenly go into fast-forward.
Nesting and behaviour
Most herons nest in trees near water, often in groups with other waterbirds. Their nests are made of sticks and can look a bit scrappy, but they get the job done.
Herons can be shy, especially the smaller or night-time species, so it’s best to keep your distance and enjoy them quietly. A good pair of binoculars can help if you're into birdwatching.
Helping herons thrive
To keep herons happy and healthy on the Central Coast, here’s what we can do:
Protect wetland areas – they need clean, shallow water to hunt and breed.
Don’t leave rubbish or fishing line – it can trap or injure birds. Parents use the discarded line to make their nests.
Keep dogs out of nesting areas – even curious sniffing can disturb them.
Supporting Marine Wildlife Rescue Central Coast who care for water birds and protect breeding areas
Herons might not always be in the spotlight, but they’re an important part of our waterways. Next time you’re near a lake or creek, take a quiet moment to look – you might just spot one of these elegant hunters doing its thing.