How’s Your Heron?

It won’t be long until the great blue herons return to the Wachusett Meadow in March.

Herons are important for the environment as they act as “indicator species”. Scientists monitor heron populations to detect environmental contamination, such as toxins in the water or mercury levels in eggs, which reflects the health of the entire ecosystem.

Although they are named “great blue”, herons can look grey or brown depending on the light conditions.

This great blue heron does look blue. Herons appear bluest in low light, fog, or shadows, which reflect cooler, blue tones.

This heron is taking advantage of the All-Persons Observation Deck.

Herons are known for their exceptional camouflage, often appearing nearly invisible when perched among dead branches, or debris.

This heron can see well from high up in the tree. Its eyesight is estimated to be about three times more detailed than a human’s. From this high perch, a heron can spot small movements below.

Great Blue Herons are expert fishers, but they will eat almost anything they can catch and swallow. In a meadow, herons hunt for small mammals, which can make up a large portion of its diet, especially in winter when waterways freeze . 

The Great Blue Heron is widely considered one of the most prehistoric-looking birds alive today. While all birds are living descendants of dinosaurs, herons appear more like dinosaurs because of their large size, sharp angles and guttural sounds.

Herons possess specialized flexible necks with 19 to 21 vertebrae.

They can form their necks into an S-shaped curve which acts like a coiled, spring-loaded mechanism. This allows them to catch prey in the water with high speed and precision.

15 thoughts on “How’s Your Heron?”

  3. I did not know that great blue herons can and will eat small mammals if needed from non-waterway habitats… Where do they migrate to/from in the wintertime? This was a wonderful blog post. Thank you for sharing these beautiful photos + compelling heron information.

    Reply

    1. Thank you for your kind words. I’m so glad you liked the post! Most herons go to the southern U.S., or even further south to the Caribbean for the winter. Some stay close to the seashore in Massachusetts year round, and just tough it out hoping to find open waters. Here in central Massachusetts, the temperatures/snow would be too cold for them.
      Wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day, and the promise of spring soon to come!
      Cheers,
      Julie

      Reply

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