Heron (Great Blue)

The great blue heron is the largest and most common of the North American herons. It is often seen standing at the edge of a lake or pond watching for small fish, its favorite prey. Occasionally a heron will choke to death trying to eat a fish that is too large to swallow.

This heron gets its name from its bluish-gray feathers and regal size. It has a huge wingspan of nearly 6 feet. When in flight, its neck folds into an S-shape, and you may hear it makes its call - a hoarse, guttural squawk.

During the mating season, two feathers on the bird's head become long and thread-like. The great blue heron's eggs are generally light blue in color.

Photographed in the wild, Kissimmee  & Cape Coral, FL