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Answer
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Dave
asked
on
2/15/2007,
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I am always in awe when I see a great blue heron. I guess because it's such a big bird. I have seen them more often in the last few years than I have all my life, and I am 59. Was I just not looking or are there more of them around than there used to be? Also why don't I ever see two of them together? They're always alone. |
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Jim's answer: |
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Good questions Dave. With a wingspan of almost six feet great blue herons are indeed impressive birds to watch, especially when they're in flight. Standing nearly four feet tall, great blue herons are the largest of all North American herons.
Although they are common sight along steams, ponds and wetlands today, blue herons nearly disappeared in the 1960's due to pesticides like DDT that almost caused the demise of many other fish eaters like bald eagles and ospreys. Luckily these chemicals were banned in time to save these majestic birds. In addition, blue herons gained protective status under the "blue crane" legislation passed in the 1960's here in Wisconsin.
Several things have improved habitat for herons and other wetland birds in recent years. Due to conservation efforts and new environmental regulations, many more wetlands have been protected and clean up efforts are moving forward to restore our rivers, lakes and streams.
You asked why you never see more than one heron at a time. Herons are very solitary birds and prefer to hunt alone. You've probably seen them standing motionless along streambanks or in marshes looking like pieces of drifwood. Herons can wait for hours on end for just the right moment to snatch up an unsuspecting frog, crayfish, or small fish with its long beak. The only time herons become more social is during their breeding season in spring and early summer when they build large nests high in the trees in marshy areas. They prefer to nest together with hundreds of other herons in communal nesting areas called "rookeries". These nesting areas are usually located over standing water and in very romote areas so we rarely get a chance to see them.
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