As the largest heron in North America, a Great Blue Heron can reach a height of up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) and a wingspan of up to 6.5 feet (nearly 2 meters). With a distinctive light blue plumage and a long pointed bill, they can easily be spotted along creeks, lakes, marshes, and swamps.
They are opportunistic feeders, and their diet can include fish, reptiles, and even some small mammals. I am lucky to observe them right in our backyard. They are patient and persistent solitary birds. Once they spot a prey, they will focus on it. They are often successful on their first attempt. In another post, I have featured more photos and even a video. Here is a recent photo in the backyard showing a Great Blue Heron searching for breakfast.
Although they tend to be solitary birds, they nest in colonies. A female Great Blue Heron lays about 3-5 eggs, which both parents incubate. Great Blue Herons can live up to 25 years in the wild.
Some of the information I provided comes from All About Birds and the American Bird Conservancy.
Except for the backyard photo, the other two photos were captured during my bike rides. I’m often on the lookout for wildlife as I bike. Those are the stories behind the shots. Until the next time, keep clicking and capturing the beauty your eyes find.
Posted for Birds of the Week Invitation XCIV.
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I. J. Khanewala
It’s a lovely bird and deserves the great photos you have taken
Egidio Leitao
I’m glad you liked them. Thanks.
Toonsarah
Ooh I love seeing herons, especially in flight! We don’t get Great Blues here so it’s a treat to see your photos today 🙂
Egidio Leitao
I never seem to have my camera ready to capture good flying shots. I’m glad you liked these photos. Thank you.
Anne Sandler
They are beautiful birds and your photos do them justice. How wonderful to be able to watch them from your backyard.
Egidio Leitao
I count my blessings, Anne. Thank you. Seeing these and other wildlife so close by has taught me a lot about patience.
Anita
You are truly lucky to find these beauties in your backyard. And looking for wildlife while riding a bike sounds like a great combination of exercise and photography. Lovely photos of this graceful bird.
Egidio Leitao
Anita, I count my blessings. Indeed I’m lucky. As for riding and doing photography, sometimes riding goes very slowly. Thanks for writing.
Writing to Freedom
Wonderful photos and background. We have one at our pond too, but I can rarely get close enough to photograph him/her.
Egidio Leitao
Brad, they are very suspicious of humans. I am lucky when they come close to the house, as in the photo I shared. Sometimes, they are way on the other side of the pond. Thanks for writing.
Writing to Freedom
Yes, with a real camera and zoom lens I could get a decent image.
Rebecca Cuningham
To get to the fish on the other side. 😉 Wonderful heron shots!
Egidio Leitao
LOL Thanks, Rebecca.
Terri Webster Schrandt
Stunning captures, Egidio! We have blue herons here. Must be nice to watch them from your backyard!
Egidio Leitao
I really enjoy watching them and other wildlife from my deck. Thanks for writing.