Great Blue Heron

Requested by one of our listeners, Griff, the Great Blue Heron is found in North America, Central America, northern South America, and the Galapagos Islands. This bird has an almost 6 foot wingspan and can be found near freshwater or saltwater. Outside of mating season they are solitary, often standing statuesque in water looking for prey - which they often catch after a sudden strike. Their unique neck vertebrae allow for a shockingly quick jab into the water. 

FYI we may have an irregular posting schedule for a month or so as we are lining up very exciting guests. 

In our next episode, Maeve will turn the tables and tell Kristen about the Piping Plover.

Research for today’s episode came from the following sources: 

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Great_Blue_Heron/id

https://www.audubon.org/birds-of-america/great-blue-heron

https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/great-blue-heron

Additional Resources:

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/how-do-i-keep-herons-from-eating-the-fish-in-my-pond/#

Video of a Great Blue Heron catching fish https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/435241

Telling egrets and Herons apart https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/how-to-identify-white-herons-excerpt-from-better-birding-book/

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Thanks for listening, and happy birding!