We were almost at the end of the boardwalk and back into the woods when we saw him. It was busy preening and its feathers were all askew. I didn't think we were going to see a Great Blue Heron today. A parting gift as we left the marsh.
After looking for information on line, I found that both males and females are anywhere between 3.2 and 4.5 feet. Their wingspan is 5.5 to 6.6 feet.
They are absolutely wonderful to see in flight. I remember seeing one of these beautiful birds flying over our house years ago. The local birds were not happy and worried it until it flew out of sight. I think it might have been nesting time. Great Blue Herons can cruise from 20 to 30 miles an hour.
They hunt alone but typically nest in colonies. They prefer tall trees, though sometimes build a nest in low shrubs. Despite their size, a Great Blue Heron weighs only 5 to 6 pounds, due to the fact that their bones are hollow, just like all birds.
The oldest recorded Great Blue Heron was found in Texas when it was at least 24 years and 6 months old.
My information and more was found at this website.
I also found a lovely nature blog called 'Nature for my Soul'. Its host is Sharon and she takes such neat and interesting photos. You can find Sharon's blog here.
a few hours ago, I took some photos of two Great Blues. I had thought they were good. But not compared to yours. Your detail is wonderful!!! This one is huge!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ginny, I'm sure your photos were wonderful :)
DeleteWhat a treat for you. Your photos are great. The info was good too. They certainly are a big bird. The way they protect their underparts is interesting. He looks like he has a flowing beard.
ReplyDeleteIt was, thank you Diane :) These are the first photos I have taken of one preening itself. It was very interesting.
DeleteLooks a handsome fellow, love it's colours.
ReplyDeleteI agree on both counts, thanks Margaret :)
DeleteThese photos are amazing. I feel like I"m right there looking at him.
ReplyDeleteThat's great Ann and thank you :)
DeleteAmazingly, we have a couple of great blue herons who make daily flights and landings in the Nashua River. We are fortunate in being able to see them several times a week. Thanks for all the info, Denise.
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful Dorothy, and you are very welcome :)
DeleteAmazing bird.
ReplyDeleteI agree, thank you Anne :)
DeleteSome of this info I knew, but other facts I found very interesting...thanks for researching & sharing. You know I love anything & everything BIRDS!!
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome Anni, a small pay-back for all the wonderful birds you share :)
DeleteI checked out Sharon’s site and it really has some fantastic shots. Also, what wonderful captures of the heron! It does look like a particularly regal bird.
ReplyDeleteShe does have wonderful photos! Glad you enjoyed my heroin also. Regal is a great way of describing it. Thanks Penelope :)
DeleteI do believe that nature is meant to soothe and calm our souls. # 4 is awesome shot of this huge bird.. that is some wing span. wow. did not know it is that big even though i see them a lot.
ReplyDelete100 percent agree Sandra :) Thank you, it's always surprising to find out things I didn't know about these beautiful birds.
DeleteFantástica esta sequência de fotografias.
ReplyDeleteUm abraço e boa semana.
Andarilhar
Dedais de Francisco e Idalisa
Livros-Autografados
Muito obrigado. Um abraço e uma boa semana contínua para vocês também :)
DeleteGreat blue herons are here in Oklahoma also, standing guard on lakes and slow lazy rivers. They are big and magnificent birds.
ReplyDeleteThey truly are, thanks Yogi and happy you get to see them often :)
DeleteLovely series of photographs of the Great Blue Heron.
ReplyDeleteThanks too for the link to Sharon's blog, I will pop over and have a look.
All the best Jan
Thank you Jan and you are very welcome. All the best to you too :)
DeleteThey are my favourite birds!
ReplyDeleteI can see why Jenn :)
DeleteThe great blue heron is "my" bird, and so when I see one, it reminds me of Harry the Heron. I really love your photos here, Denise. They're lovely.
ReplyDeleteI love that name Jeanie :) Thank you so much!
DeleteWhat a magnificent bird!
ReplyDeleteI've never seen one in person!
It is indeed :)
DeleteWow-Zers, these are awesome!! a really special parting gift for sure, i think they are prettier just the way you captured it!!
ReplyDeleteHappy you think o Debbie, it was a sight I don't see hardly ever, the preening I mean. I would enjoy seeing the bird more than I do also :)
DeleteGreat bird clicks
ReplyDeleteThank you Ashok :)
DeleteI enjoy seeing photos of the Great Blue. I have one that frequents my pond, but mostly I see them along the banks of lakes or swamps. I think they must enjoy the solitude because I always spy them alone.
ReplyDeleteSo glad :) That's interesting about the one you see often. I have never seen them in pairs either.
DeleteBeautiful! They are fascinating birds to watch.
ReplyDeleteThey certainly are Linda, I could sit for hours watching them.
DeleteSo nice to hear you see them often Linda. I wish I did too. Thank you :)
ReplyDeleteThey are remarkable birds.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree William :)
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