Did You Know?

Although the Great Blue Heron eats primarily fish, it is adaptable and willing to eat other animals as well. Several studies have found that voles (mice) were a very important part of the diet, making up nearly half of what was fed to nestlings in Idaho. Occasionally a heron will choke to death trying to eat a fish that is too large to swallow. All About Birds

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Great Blue Heron Rookery

Date Submitted: July 2, 2010

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/26/10

Observation Time: 3:10 p.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary

Plant or Animal? Animal

Common Name: Great Blue Heron Rookery

Scientific Name: Ardea herodias

Great blue heron rookery

Comments: This great blue heron nest was part of a rookery consisting of many heron nests clustered in a small area. The young were almost full grown and ready to fly.

Great blue heron rookery

Comments: There were many large heron nests clustered in a pine grove. The forest floor was spattered in white guano. It appears from the photo that the herons were as interested in me as I was in them. Note how their eyes stick out a little and are able to swivel so they can peer downwards. I imagine this trait is useful when the herons are wading around the edge of a pond looking for fish.

This observation occurred at the tail end of the nesting season when the young herons were almost ready to fly away

More Information: All About Birds

Previous, Subsequent, or Similar Sightings:
Great Blue Heron, 4/16/10
Great Blue Heron, 5/26/10

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