Denzil

Six facts about Herons

Herons appeared in a recent Nature Photo Challenge (#9 Long-legged Birds) in big numbers, so I thought I’d continue the interest in them by sharing six facts about them.

Grey Heron
My local Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)
  1. Herons are excellent hunters: They use their sharp beaks, long necks and great patience to catch fish, frogs, insects, and other small animals.
  2. They have unique hunting methods: Some Herons use their wings to create a canopy over the water, which helps to shade the fish and make them easier to catch. Others will use a “standing” technique, where they remain perfectly still for long periods of time before striking at their prey.
  3. Herons are widespread: Herons can be found on every continent except Antarctica. They live in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, marshes, ponds, and rivers; sometimes in close proximity to humans.
  4. They are long-lived birds: Many species of herons can live for up to 25 years in the wild, and some have been known to live even longer in captivity.
  5. Herons are important in many cultures: Herons have played an important role in the mythology and folklore of many cultures. In some Native American cultures, for example, the heron is considered a symbol of strength, patience, and tranquility.
  6. Some species are endangered: Despite their widespread distribution, some species of herons are considered endangered due to habitat loss, hunting, and pollution. It is important to protect these birds and their habitats to ensure their survival.
Six facts about Herons

Grey Heron

Photos © Denzil Walton

By the way, if you want to know more about herons, check out Babsjeheron

35 comments

  4. Love it, thank you!! One of my favorite birds and I’m going to try my best to get better photos of them this season. But love your photos of these wondrous birds 👍

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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