Great Blue Herons

Great Blue Herons appear statuesque as they wade shallows in search of a meal.  Some pondmeisters like to watch their stealthy fishing tactics. Others demonize them as fish poachers.

Actually, they aren’t a serious threat to your pond. They may eat some three to five-inch fish. But they also are opportunistic feeders and will consume insects, snakes, frogs, snails, mice, moles, or crayfish.

Blue Herons are one of the largest, most wide spread birds in North America.  They live around fresh and salt water.  Herons have a seven-foot wingspan, fly 20 to 30 miles per hour, stand four feet tall, and weight six to eight pounds.

Herons are not endangered, but considered a federal migratory species, and are protected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  If you’re caught shooting one without a permit, even on private property, you may be fined or receive jail time.  Should they damage your property, contact a federal game warden for remedies.  Don’t shoot herons!