USA/FL: Homosassa Springs – Great Blue Herons
Great blue heron is the largest heron in the Americas and we saw a group of them on a little Bird Island in the middle of the Homosassa River. It’s a nesting grounds for the birds and herons are everywhere, including up in the trees, which is rather unusual for such large birds. Standing at 91–137 cm with a wingspan of 167–201 cm great blue herons only weigh between 1.82–3.6 kg.. Great blue herons are excellent fishers, hunting in shallow marshes, either slowly wading through the water or waiting patiently for their prey. Once their next meal is spotted, they will stretch out their long neck and freeze in place. When the moment is right, they strike with their blade-like bill. Their nesting areas are interestingly called “heronries”.
