Great Blue Heron

The Great Blue Heron (Scientific name - Ardea herodias) is the largest of the herons in North America. They can be found in most Canadian Provinces and all of the Continental U.S. and in winter in Mexico and Central America. They can be found in both salt and fresh water habitats. For breeding they often gather in groups in rookeries where they build stick nests high above the ground. I am fortunate to live close to one at the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve in Chilliwack, B.C.

The Great Blue Heron has mostly grey-blue plumage with long legs and a long sinuous neck. It has a thick orange bill and white cheeks and a black stripe over its eye. Adults have distinctive head, chest and wing plumes. 

The two top photos were taken in April 2012 at the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary in Delta, B.C. The third photo was taken in January 2011 in Ladner, B.C. and the bottom photo was taken in October 2013 in Abbotsford, B.C.