HERONS
I have a little story about herons. This happened before I ever knew how many species existed. Years ago, I spent a few days in Bonita Springs with the love of my life, Jim. We stopped off at a wonderful restaurant (Big Hickory – still there) for brunch. We noticed two gorgeous birds waiting for the boats to come in with the catch of the day. One was white with the breeze waving its shimmering long feathers and the other was a greyish blue with plum colored neck feathers. Later, I learned that they were a Snowy Egret and a Little Blue Heron (Ol’ Blue, they called him.) I took snapshots of them and they hung on my fridge “Up North” during the cold winter months to remind me of warm, sunny times. Later, as life would have it, we moved to Florida and settled in the Southwest area. One day, we happened upon the same restaurant from years before and yes, Ol’ Blue was still there. Some other happy coincidences happened for Jim and we realized that this region was home – finally. These days, I’m in the fortunate position to see all kinds of Herons in many areas.
The Great Blue, is of course, the “King/Queen” of the species. Having an incredible wing span, it makes quite a silhouette on the horizon at roosting time.
The Tricolor Heron is a sight for sore eyes with its lovely plumage. Here it was spreading its wings like the reddish egret to create shadows – a ploy to catch fish. I’m thinking he didn’t expect such a huge one – judging by the size of the splash! It's about three times his size.
After a few nights of deafening frog and toad choruses, a cousin of “Ol Blue showed up in my back yard to reap the rewards of freshly spawned tadpoles. He hung around in the same spot until he was chased away by a Snowy Egret. (I had a happy chill! Was it coincidence or what?) I haven’t seen either since the ditch dried up.
They say that the Little Green Heron is a bit shy but this one at Ding Darling had no problem vying for a crab with his cousin, the little blue. Here he looks like a bird with no neck. The one on the left, with his neck fully stretched, looks like he’s playing yacht captain in Key Largo.
And, who could not enjoy the sight of the Yellow Crowned Night Heron as it struts along the side of the road or sucks down a crab, like this juvie here. Click here for a Heron gallery