The Elusive Great Blue Heron

 

The Elusive Great Blue Heron

Written by Kristine Manganelli (Somerset County 4-H Coordinator)

Great Blue Heron

Great Blue Heron

Recently, while on a hike with my dog near a small branch of the Raritan River, I saw a great blue heron spread its wings and fly away. It was already leaving by the time I became aware of its presence, so I was only able to observe its beauty very briefly. This is how it always happens with elusive herons. But even a momentary glimpse of their signature blue-gray plumage and unique s-shaped neck inspires me with wonder. When hiking near any body of water, I approach as quietly as possible in hopes that its inhabitants won’t detect me. This is hard to do with a rambunctious dog, so bird sightings are rare and treasured.

Great blue herons are the largest wading bird in North America, coming in at over 3 1/2 feet in length, with a 6 foot wingspan! Male and female herons are similar in appearance. They are found throughout North America including right here in New Jersey. Herons in the Northern-most areas will travel South for the winter, but we are lucky enough to have the right climate for herons to stay in our state year-round.

Great blue herons nest in colonies in tall trees and are never far from bodies of water whether fresh or salt. Their habitat includes the land surrounding lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and marshes known as wetlands. These areas of land are naturally saturated with water and provide habitat to an incredible variety of flora and fauna. In addition, wetlands are crucial to the health of nearby water as it traps pollutants and improves water quality.

These wetlands allow great blue herons to feed and survive on a wide diet of fish, amphibians, reptiles, crustaceans, insects, and small mammals. They patiently wait by standing motionless in or alongside water, before rapidly striking with its bill and swallowing prey whole. Their long necks have specially shaped vertebrae that enables them to reach prey at a distance. Their eyes contain a high percentage of rod photoreceptors that enhance night vision allowing them to hunt both day and night.

Great Blue Heron in Flight

Great Blue Heron in Flight

Even though the population of great blue herons is stable, it has been steadily dropping leading to the classification of Species of Special Concern in New Jersey. Herons and other Species of Special Concern show evidence of population decline, vulnerability to environmental deterioration, or habitat modification that would result in becoming endangered or threatened without action.
Great blue heron populations have been decreasing due to habitat loss known as wetland destruction. Development, pollution, and invasive species all contribute to the destruction of these areas that are critical to their nesting and breeding grounds.

The importance of wetlands to great blue herons and countless species of wildlife shows the interconnectedness between human action and the environment. Our actions upstream can cause unintended consequences for the species that call wetlands home. As wetlands also play a role in keeping groundwater clean, our health is also linked to the health of these ecosystems.

Get Outside

  • Hike near bodies of water to increase your chances of spotting a great blue heron or other water fowl. There are many trails throughout the state of New Jersey that run through wetlands or alongside rivers and streams. Check D&R Greenway’s New Jersey Trails Association to discover local parks.

  • Protect our wetlands! Help keep our wetlands clean for animals and humans alike by organizing individual or group water clean-ups at your favorite local stream or pond. Always wear gloves and have adult supervision! Use this handbook from American Rivers organization for information and best practices for water clean-ups.

Sources:

 
Somerset County 4-H