Great Blue Heron Nesting Pictures Movie

Great Blue Heron nests overwhelm the big trees like a crowded building. I couldn't believe that I was witnessing such a large number of nests. The Great Blue Heron nesting areas show how mother nature covers her nature preserves with spectacular varieties of life. Again, she posseses the attribute of unparalleled beauty.

The great blue heron (Ardea hrondias) is an impressive and increasingly common sight in the Cuyahoga Valley. The recent establishment of nesting colonies in the valley is a reflection of favorable habitat created by beavers, along with protection of the valley by the National Park Service, Cleveland Metroparks, the City of Akron, and other organizations and individuals. Use this site bulletin to find the best places to observe great blue herons and as a natural history guide.

Great blue herons are the largest heron found in the continental United States, in many parts of Canada, and along the coastal areas of Alaska. They stand four feet tall, weigh slightly over four pounds, and have a wingspan of nearly seven feet. These herons are generally seen in wetlands while nesting or when feeding on small fish, amphibians, and a variety of aquatic invertebrates.

Nest building is a wonderful time to observe the heron flying to nest with sticks. A male will gather a stick, present it to the female who takes the stick and then adds it to the nest, strengthening the pair bond. Later the inside of the nest will be lined with fine twigs and leaves. Great blue herons are known to use nests from the previous years in a heronry, although it is still not known if the same individuals use the same nests each year.

Seasonal Distribution The migration patterns of the great blue heron in Ohio are extremely variable. Some birds travel to the Gulf States. Others fly just one or two states south. The remainder stay throughout the year. Birds remaining through the winter feed along the Cuyahoga River, and often use the heronries as roosting areas.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) protects 33,000 acres along the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. Managed by the National Park Service, CVNP combines cultural, historical, recreational, and natural activities in one setting. For more information call (216)524-1497 or (800)4459667 or visit www.nps.gov/cuva or www.dayinthevalley.com. 15610 Vaughn Road Brecksville, Ohio 44141 (216) 524-1497 or (800) 445-9667 www.nps.gov/cuva or www.dayinthevalley.com

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