 This
place had a prehistoric feel to it. The swampy area, the tall and bare dead
trees, and the great blue herons flying overhead reminded me of dinosaurs and
pterodactyls. It was mid-morning, quiet, and there was no activity other than
herons occasionally flying to and from their perches and nests. It was all
unhurried. Herons seem to take their time. When they do perch or sit on their
nests, they sit for a long time without moving - a half-hour to an hour or
longer. It's difficult to surmise what they are doing, perhaps just watching,
keeping a look out. |
This one was perched high in a tree at the very end of a branch for an hour or
so. |
Nest repair with twigs and branches is a part of a heron's regular routine. The
nests are large and exposed to the elements. |
This pair was perched near the same nest, although they weren't necessarily a
mated pair that always stayed together. |
Great blue herons look especially large when they are flying or beginning to
land or take off. They are the largest of North America's herons and have a wing
span around 70". |
Copyright ©1996 Judi Schiller, Richard Schiller
August 27, 1996