About this find

Great Blue Heron

Ardea herodias

The Great Blue Heron is a large wading bird commonly found near shores and wetlands, recognizable by its tall stature and long neck. It often stands still for long periods while hunting fish, amphibians, and small aquatic animals.

Location

Open wetland or lakeside area with tall trees

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Average lifespan

13–15 years on average

Edible status

Not edible

"Not suitable for foraging or consumption. Protected species in many areas; hunting or disturbing them may be illegal."

Categorization Tags

#bird #heron #wading-bird #wetlands #fishing-bird #wildlife

Field Conditions

Water

Needs access to freshwater or brackish water bodies for hunting.

Light

Prefers open areas with plenty of sunlight near water for fishing.

Season

Year-round resident in many areas, though some populations migrate seasonally.

Field Photos

3 views

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Good for

birdwatching

wetland ecosystem health indicator

nature education

Fun facts

The Great Blue Heron is the largest heron in North America.

It can stand motionless for long periods while waiting to catch prey with a lightning-fast strike.

They nest in colonies called heronries, often high in trees, as seen in this photo.

They have been known to live up to 15 years in the wild.

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Nature Log

Nature Deck

Tag deck: #wetlands

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