WNJ Exclusive: The Great Blue Herons of Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
All photos courtesy of Christine Fusco.
by Christine Fusco
One of New Jersey's largest birds is the Great Blue Heron. They can be easily identified not only by their size, but by their blue and black colored back, long grey necks with black edges, and a white striped belly. Their head is white with a black cap.
Great Blue Herons are found fishing in low tidal areas such as marshes, lake shores, and swamps. Batteries, hedges, or rookeries of Herons will also hunt in fish hatcheries, obviously causing problems for the farmers of the hatcheries. While waiting for their prey, the herons stand tall and perfectly still until they have sight on their fish. Then, they quickly spear it on their blade like bills, position the catch in their mouth, and swallow it whole while still alive. If you are close enough, you will be able to see the fish descend down the entire length of their very long slim necks. Afterwards, a sip of water is usually called for.
As foliage turns brown and the water freezes, the Herons will migrate to Central and South America for the winter months. We look forward to their arrival in spring when they return to their original nest from the year before. After offerings of a few additional branches from the male to the female, the nest will be completed for the new season where two to seven juvenile Great Blue Herons will be raised.
One of New Jersey's largest birds is the Great Blue Heron. They can be easily identified not only by their size, but by their blue and black colored back, long grey necks with black edges, and a white striped belly. Their head is white with a black cap.
Great Blue Herons are found fishing in low tidal areas such as marshes, lake shores, and swamps. Batteries, hedges, or rookeries of Herons will also hunt in fish hatcheries, obviously causing problems for the farmers of the hatcheries. While waiting for their prey, the herons stand tall and perfectly still until they have sight on their fish. Then, they quickly spear it on their blade like bills, position the catch in their mouth, and swallow it whole while still alive. If you are close enough, you will be able to see the fish descend down the entire length of their very long slim necks. Afterwards, a sip of water is usually called for.
As foliage turns brown and the water freezes, the Herons will migrate to Central and South America for the winter months. We look forward to their arrival in spring when they return to their original nest from the year before. After offerings of a few additional branches from the male to the female, the nest will be completed for the new season where two to seven juvenile Great Blue Herons will be raised.
Previous Exclusives by Christine Fusco:
WNJ Exclusive: Black skimmers make for gorgeous coastal sightings
Posted by WILDNEWJERSEY at 10/31/2011 12:00 PM 
Categories: WNJ Exclusives
Tags: great blue heron Forsythe NWR forsythe national wildlife refugee brigantine
Categories: WNJ Exclusives
Tags: great blue heron Forsythe NWR forsythe national wildlife refugee brigantine
sweet! I want to move to New Jersey now just for the wildlife!
Reply to this