Many herons, including the great blue, were persecuted in the late 1800’s for the millinery trade. The birds’ showy plumes were used to adorn hats, and heron ranks were decimated in many regions.

A great blue heron stands among dormant cattail reeds. Note the overall large size and bluish-gray color. Additionally, this individual was in full breeding plumage. Photo by Randy Mitchell ...

The great blue (heron, not whale) ranges from 45” to 54” tall, with a wingspan between 66” and 79”. Weight can vary from 4 to 7.9 pounds.

All five great blue heron subspecies are now included in the species Ardea herodias. Curiously, one subspecies, the Ward heron, Ardea herodias wardi, a larger southern version of the great blue found ...

Granted, the great blue Heron didn’t live alongside Tyrannosaurus rex 66-million years ago, but the bird’s oldest fossils date back to 14 million years, meaning it is an old species, indeed.

The great blue heron is a large bird, standing nearly 3 feet tall with a wingspan approaching 6 feet. Adult herons can weigh up to 8 pounds. The plumage of this bird is slate blue.

Great blue herons stand about 4 feet tall and have wings that span 6 feet. Although it might seem to make more sense for such a big bird to nest on the ground – as do whooping and sandhill ...

DURHAM A great blue heron watched from the audience as the Durham City Council debated Monday night how to protect its home on Ellerbe Creek, a hidden oasis a short drive from downtown. The bird ...