Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) are the largest heron species in North America and part of the family Ardea which includes herons, Egrets, and bitterns. Herons are found in wetlands such as shallow waters, swamps, and marshes. Their characteristic pose is standing with an “S” bend to their necks. When flying, the Great Blue Heron typically folds their neck so that their head is tucked back towards their body. Seeing of one of these majestic birds stalking their prey in the waters conjures images of prehistoric times.
Great Blue Heron Appearance:
The Great Blue Heron usually stands between 3 to 4.5 feet tall. The females tend to be smaller than males. They can have a wingspan of about 6.5 feet wide. A Great Blue Heron can weigh between 4.5 to a little over 7 pounds.
The plumage of the Great Blue Heron is a blueish- gray. This appearance has led to their naming, but in Florida and the Caribbean there is an all-white version which is called the “Great White Heron,” but is actually the same species. The Great Blue Heron have a slender neck that forms a “S” when they stand. Their bills are yellow but can have a shaded top and their heads are adorned with black feathers.
Great Blue Heron Diet:
The Great Blue Heron hunts its prey by standing still in the water or stalking. When a prey is near, the Great Blue Heron will thrust and thrash the water with rapid strikes. Great Blue Herons will then consume their catch whole. While they do form colonies, Great Blue Herons hunt alone.
The diet of the Great Blue Heron consists of fish and frogs. Hence why they are seen mostly by wetlands. But, they will also eat insects, small birds, and mice.
Sighting:
The Great Blue Heron I saw was while I biked along the South County Trailway. The South County Trailway is part of the greater Empire Trail, which I mentioned in my post Tibbetts Brook Park – Spectacular Urban Hike with a Twist.
I was near Irvington, New York, in a place called Woodland Lake, where a dam was being removed. The water has pooled up north of the dam and created a nice little marsh like wetland from the Sprain Brook River. Just past the construction fence where the vegetation grows thick along the bike path, I caught a glimpse of a Great Blue Heron hunting in the waters. The sighting reminded me of the time I saw The Great Egret.
Species Spotlight:
| Common name | Great Blue Heron |
| Species | Ardea herodias |
| Location Spotted | South County Trailway, Irvington, Westchester County, New York |
| Date Spotted | June 17th, 2023 |
| Sighting and Trail Remarks | While biking along the South County Trailway, near Irvington, NY, I came across a Great Blue Heron. The blue-gray plumed bird was standing in Woodland Lake. It was a great sight, and eventually I got to see the Heron strike the water. |