Wildlife Wednesday: The Blue Heron

by Zander Hine, Student Board Member

The Great Blue Heron (Ardea Herodias) is a tall wading bird that lives in the marshes and waterways that make up the Chesapeake Bay region. These birds eat mostly fish, but will also eat insects, crustaceans, and other smaller birds if necessary. Great Blue Herons, which are the largest heron in North America, nest together in groups called rookeries. These rookeries are isolated from humans and predators, in order to keep the babies and adults alive. The Great Blue Heron have special neck vertebrae that allow them to curl their necks into an S-shape for hunting and flying. Currently, the biggest threat to these herons is nest disturbances. I often see a Great Blue Heron flying near my house in the evening, heading back to its home somewhere near Marsh Run. Have you seen any of these majestic birds near you? If not, the C&O canal is a great place to see one!