Heron Fishing

A great Blue Heron fishing from the edge of a reservoir.

The great blue heron is a large wading bird in the heron family Ardeidae, common near the shores of open water and in wetlands over most of North America and Central America, as well as the Caribbean and the Galápagos Islands.

Largest of the North American herons with long legs, a sinuous neck, and thick, daggerlike bill. Head, chest, and wing plumes give a shaggy appearance. In flight, the Great Blue Heron curls its neck into a tight “S” shape; its wings are broad and rounded and its legs trail well beyond the tail. Great Blue Herons appear blue-gray from a distance, with a wide black stripe over the eye. In flight, the upper side of the wing is two-toned: pale on the forewing and darker on the flight feathers. Hunting Great Blue Herons wade slowly or stand statue-like, stalking fish and other prey in shallow water or open fields.

It’s true that most great blue herons migrate to warmer climates in winter, but a few will remain far to the north, especially where some open water gives them access to fish, frogs and other aquatic prey. If the water is temporarily frozen, they may survive by catching mice and other small animals. Staying north is a gamble that doesn’t always end well for these lingering birds, but on the other hand, they avoid the perils of migration by remaining where they are.

The great blue heron is the largest heron species in North America, standing about 4 feet tall. But even though they are large birds, they don’t weigh much (only 5 to 6 pounds), thanks to their light, hollow bones (a trait most birds have). The male and female look almost exactly the same. On average, males are a little larger with longer ornamental plumes.

Nests vary widely. A first-year nest may be only 20 inches across. Others, used repeatedly for many years, can reach 4 feet in diameter and nearly as deep. A great blue heron colony might have more than 500 nests.

Herons fly as fast as 30 mph. With a lightning fast strike, herons easily nab fish or frogs for a meal.

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My blog is meant to inform and I strive to be totally accurate. It is solely up to the reader to ensure proper plant identification. Some wild plants and mushrooms are poisonous or can have serious adverse health effects.