Great
Blue Herons
 Great
blue herons (Ardea Herodias) are the largest herons in Canada
and our paddling area, standing at heights of up to four and a half
feet tall. They are a common sight on our trips, and we often see
them at a distance, standing near the shore or on a bed of kelp.
They nest in colonies, building stick nests high up in large trees,
and usually live in the same colony for years.
Though tall
and gangly, great blue herons are very light, normally weighing
less than five pounds. Once airborne their large wingspan allows
them to glide gracefully for long distances. They are statuesque
and picturesque, though difficult to photograph, as they are very
wary of human approach.
They are skillful
and patient hunters, feeding on fish, frogs, crabs and even small
mammals near the shore. They stand like sentinels, waiting for the
optimum moment to stab their prey with their long, pointed bills.
There are an
estimated 1500 pairs of great blue herons along the British Columbia
coast, and they are uniquely non-migratory. Though their numbers
have declined in recent years, they are a common sight on all our
sea kayaking adventures.
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