The Great Blue Heron can take the distinction of being one of tallest
birds. Its long legs,long neck, sharp-pointed bill and bluish plumage
serve to identify it. It can be recognized in
flight with its head drawn back on to shoulders and its’ long
legs trailing behind.
Haunts
Wetlands with extensive reeds. Great Blue Herons often choose the
highest poplar tree tops for their nests. A heron rookery with about
40 nests can be observed, without disturbance, from the Wilmer
National Wildlife Area ‘s benches.
Schedule
Herons appear at the heronry in late March. Young leave the nests
in late June. A few herons are seen in the winter.
Field Notes
Often herons swallow their food alive. A heron catches a fish then
flips it into the air so it goes down head first, Sometimes a heron
spears and shakes the fish to kill and it and make it easier to eat.
Occasionally herons choke to death trying to down fish too big to
swallow.
