Graceful birds have been spotted in Almaty at Lake Sayran and the Esentai River. Despite obvious admiration, users on social media have also expressed their concerns about the herons’ safety.
Enthusiasts explained on social media that Sayran attracts the herons with fish. Additionally, many concerned citizens come to the lake with their children to feed the herons. The lake’s avian variety also includes numerous ducks and cormorants.
One more heron, hiding under the bridge, was noticed on the surface of the frozen Esentai River.
Even though the comment sections under the posts are full of positive feedback and admiration of the herons, some users are worried about their future. These concerns are indeed reasonable. Last year, for example, an unidentified individual killed a heron on Lake Sayran with a weapon. Despite desperate efforts to save the bird undertaken by animal advocates and concerned citizens, it didn’t survive.
One user wrote, «Why would you post this bird? As long as nobody knew about that heron, it would have been alive!»
Another said, «Delete the video before someone kills it. Our people lack an appreciation for nature.»
People also claim that it’s not uncommon to encounter a heron in Almaty. They emphasize that bread is harmful to birds and should not be offered to them as food.
«In wild nature herons usually eat fish. In the absence of fish, the birds won’t mind feeding on frogs, lizards, snakes, beetles and small rodents. They do not eat plants but will prey on any animal that is appropriately sized,» the Russian Society for Conservation and Study of Birds said on its website.
