While many of us have seen great blue herons their nesting habits often remain a mystery to most people. That’s because they purposely nest in hard-to-reach places. So where do great blue herons nest? Here’s the answer.
A Colony Nester
Typically great blue herons nest in trees and alongside other herons in large colonies. A colony of herons is known as a heronry but also as a rookery. And these colonies may contain anywhere from a handful of nests to about five hundred.
However, around one hundred and fifty nests is more average. While colonies are normally made up of only great blue herons they may also include other species of herons too.
An interesting great blue heron fact is that while they do prefer to nest in large numbers they only like to eat alone. They are highly territorial over their feeding area. And this actually the reason that heron decoys are so effective when used to keep these fish-eating birds away from backyard ponds.
Where Do Great Blue Herons Nest?
When it comes to location colonies are usually situated close to feeding areas such as lakes and other wetlands. While not many animals eat herons there are several that will eat heron eggs along with very young herons.
Therefore the nests themselves are often in hard-to-reach spots such as on islands and in trees located swamps. Nests are often also built very high up in trees, such as a hundred feet or higher, and usually with many different nests in the same individual tree.
Although not all blue herons do nest in trees, some herons may nest on the ground, on artificial platforms, on the edges of cliffs, on beaver mounds, on channel markers, in mangroves, reeds, or on cacti.
When Do Great Blue Herons Nest?
Great blue herons nest after the winter months which may be anywhere from December through March depending on the climate. Birds in warmer climates generally nest earlier while those in cooler climates nest later.
Nest-Building And Egg-Laying
Herons often return to nest in the same location year after year and sometimes the same nest if it hasn’t been destroyed. Although damaged nests may be repaired and reused. The nests are built by the male heron which collects sticks from trees, the ground, and also other nests.
They are then presented to the female bird which weaves them together. Nests are lined with materials such as dried grass, leaves, moss, pine needles, and twigs which function as cushioning. The total construction can take a few days to a few weeks.
And nests that have been re-used over many years may over time become several feet wide and deep. The female will lay between three to six eggs that are light blue in color. These will hatch in about a month and the chicks will remain in the nest until they are about two months old.
Start Shopping for Birding Supplies!
What Do Crows Eat?
With roughly 40 different species, crows are a common sight in most places around the world. And while most of us are familiar with their appearance and harsh vocalizations, their diet is not as obvious. So what do crows eat? Here's what you'll want to know. What Do...
What Are Crows Good For?
Crows are widely considered to be pests. However, these large and highly intelligent black birds actually serve quite a few important functions in the environment. So what are crows good for? Here's what you'll want to know. Pest And Parasite Management Crows are...
How Long Do Swans Live?
Swans are graceful and beautiful creatures and as such, people have many questions about them. They want to know about their mating rituals, their diet, their preferred habitats, and even their lifespans. How long do swans live for anyway? Swan lifespans actually vary...
Are Crows Good Pets?
People all around the world see and hear crows on a daily basis. Although these intelligent and dark birds are practically ubiquitous, most people don't think of them as being household pets. Are crows good pets? The general consensus is that crows do not make...
Are There Crows In Australia?
Crows are remarkably smart birds that also happen to be extremely adaptable. They navigate unfamiliar circumstances via observation and interaction. Crows reside in locations all over the globe. While they do not live in certain parts of South America, they do reside...
What Do Swans Eat?
Swans are famously long-necked birds that are symbols of romance, love, beauty, and purity. Since these waterbirds have so many admirers, people often wonder about their eating habits, behaviors, and more. What do swans eat, anyway? Swan Basics Swans typically live in...
Birds That Look Like Owls
Owls are typically solitary and mainly nocturnal birds. And although these well-known hooting creatures have a rather distinctive physical appearance, there are actually various other kinds of birds that resemble owls closely. And people sometimes mix them up. So...
Why Are Swans Protected?
Swans are graceful and gorgeous creatures. They also happen to have protection in the United Kingdom, interestingly enough. Why are swans protected there, anyway? And does the Queen own all the swans? Yes, she actually owns any mute swans that are unclaimed in both...
Birds With Teeth
Birds do not have teeth. However, there are quite a few that really look like they do! These birds have evolved special beaks which help them to perform important functions. So here are some of the most amazing birds with “teeth,” and what you’ll want to know about...
Do Geese Fly?
Although geese are clearly birds, there are many individuals who do not necessarily associate them with flying. So, do geese fly? The honest answer is that these waterfowl do. They do not exactly slouch in the flying department, either. Many people are pleasantly...
Are Geese Dangerous?
Geese, in brief, are waterbirds that are quite substantial in size. Since they're often spotted on golf courses, at schools, and in community parks, people understandably tend to wonder whether they're safety threats. Are geese dangerous? Why Geese Attack...
Do Swans Mate For Life?
Swans are famously elegant waterbirds that are known for their sizable bodies, webbed feet, and lengthy necks. People often associate them with romantic imagery and monogamy. Do swans mate for life? You can find the response to that common and rather fascinating...
When Do Cicada Killers Come Out?
Whether you dread them each year or are waiting for them to emerge and control the cicada population you may be wondering, “When do cicada killers come out? The answer is they come out each summer in late June or July. Here’s what you’ll want to know. Cicada Killer...
Are Cicada Killers Dangerous?
One look at one of these huge wasps buzzing around, your yard, and it’s only natural to ask, “Are cicada killers dangerous?” Fortunately, these wasps are mild-mannered. But here’s what you’ll want to know. Cicada Killer Wasps Basics Cicada killers emerge from the...
What Are Black Swans?
What are black swans? Black swans (Cygnus atratus) are sizable waterbirds. This species primarily appears in Australia's southwestern and southeastern portions. The black swan is nomadic in its homeland. This bird, true to its name, is mostly black. Although the bird...
What Do Cicada Killers Eat When There Are No Cicadas?
What do cicada killers eat when there are no cicadas? Well, while cicada killer wasps do hunt cicadas, the adults don’t actually eat them or kill them, their young do. Read on to learn more! The Cicada Killer Diet While you may have seen cicada killer wasps flying...
Do Cicada Killer Wasps Sting?
As one of the biggest species of wasp in North America the cicada killer wasp can be intimidating. And because of their size, appearance, and scary-sounding name, many people wonder, “Do cicada killer wasps sting? The answer is yes and no, and here’s what you’ll want...
Emu Facts
Did you know? One emu egg can make an omelet that can feed up to six adults. Did you know that the emu is the only bird with calf muscles? Can an emu walk backward? Let us find out by exploring some of the most jaw-dropping emu facts. Emus Have Amazingly Powerful Legs...
Rhea Facts
Doting dads, did you know the male rhea builds the nest, incubates the eggs, and takes care of the young? The rheas are paragons of parental care. It’s a bird like no other, and you will be surprised by the following rhea facts. Rheas Are One Of The Best Dads In The...
