Home »
The Great Blue Heron
Under Swansea
By Bob Ede
We are lucky to live near the Columbia River Wetlands. At this time of year the wetlands are alive with the sights and sounds of nesting and migrating birds. Nothing is more special than an encounter with a Great Blue Heron.
Great Blue Herons are majestic birds that stand over four feet tall and have a wingspan of six feet. They have a distinct blue color that is easy to see when they fly against the backdrop of mountains. The colour is harder to pick out when they are beside the water.
Herons can be seen throughout the year. In spring they nest high in the trees out of reach of predators. Herons are nesting now. Both sexes will take turns incubating the eggs.
The above picture was taken beside Lake Windermere. The bird was fishing. I was able to get close enough to see the small fish swimming near. It was easy pickings for the Great Blue Heron.
Now is a great time to grab your binoculars and head out bird watching.
*****
Bob Ede spends his time between watching birds and watching the upcoming election. Caught between a flock and a rat race.
