Great Blue Heron

Ardea herodias

Standing from 39" to 52 " The Great Blue Heron is the largest of the dark colored herons. In Upstate New York, this heron is frequently seen along the shores of lakes, rivers and streams. In other areas of the country it will also frequent saltwater habitats. The top of its head is blue gray while the underside of the head and body are white. It's back is gray.

Sound

Great Blue Herons are usually quiet. When they are disturbed they sound a hoarse squawk that may be repeated several times.

Comments

When a Great Blue Heron take flight they curve their neck in an S curve and extend their legs behind their body. While canoeing Upstate New York streams, it is not uncommon to come across a Great Blue Heron. The heron will often fly a hundred yards or so and land. Each time the canoe approaches the heron will take flight and move a distance ahead of the canoe. This cycle is sometimes repeated a dozen or more times.

For More Information

Rochester Birding Organizations

• See Directory of Rochester, NY & Surrounding area Nature Organizations.

Places to see Great Blue Herons

• Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge. 
• Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

Search the Web for information on birds

Search the World Wide Web for information on ornithology using the Yahoo! search tool.

Bibliography

If you are interested in reading more about Great Blue Herons connect to the Rochester Public Library's electronic online card catalog.

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