Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias
Great Blue Herons are very common birds in most wet or marshy areas of the United States, but despite their abundance I love it every time I see one. They are really big herons, very similar to the Gray Heron Ardea cinerea of Europe.
Like many herons the breed in large colonies called Rookeries. The nests are large and made of sticks, and in winter when the leaves are off the trees it can be quite a sight to see 40-50 giant nests in a couple of trees.
In flight they are easy to identify by their size, dark flight feathers, and posture.
Good birding and good day!
