Great Blue Heron – Only November and the Season Begins

A Great Blue Heron, already arranging twigs for a nest, gives a sharp, fierce look to something it didn’t like near his spot! I did not see the object of its gaze but saw the look and the bill snap threateningly.

♦

After an absence of months, I visited my favourite rookery at Wakodahatchee this weekend. It was just wonderful to be back.  While many of the tree islands looked like habitat waiting to be filled by nesting birds, there was still much to see…there always is. There were anhingas, cormorants, a little blue heron, a black crowned night heron, a fierce least bittern in battle with a snake it intended to dine upon, plenty of boat tailed grackles, white egrets, moorhens, a green heron, oh and a gator….lots of life always in the wetlands. And, the weather was delightful, moderate fall in Florida..warm with a sweet dryness in the air.

Today’s post is of Great Blue Herons which , I can’t believe it, are already building nests and endeavoring to attract mates. It is only November after all! But, a few are home and in their mating garb already. This majestic species will always find its way into my viewfinder no matter how often they have occupied that space in the past. So enjoy the beginning of a new season; it’s bound to be a great one!!

♦

I was going to title this post…Great Blue Heron – Contortionist. They do assume the most impossible positions as they preen and scratch. How do they do that with their necks? You can see the bright blue lore, reddening  bill and  legs of the mating colors and plumage already.

♦

♦

He works on the nest, preens quite a bit, and does the neck stretch display to entice a lady!

♦

Even as the day lengthens into evening, he is still hopeful!!

♦

Happy Birding!!

Judy

 

~ by Judy on November 3, 2013.