Advice from a Great Blue Heron

The great blue heron is a large wading bird in the heron family found throughout most of North America. In the summer they can be found as far north as Alaska and the southern Canadian provinces near the shores of open water and in wetlands.  In winter their range extends south through Florida, Mexico, the Caribbean and the Galápagos Islands.

The great blue heron is the largest heron species in North America.  These large birds are about 4 feet tall but they don’t weigh much thanks to their light, hollow bones.  The Great Blue Heron has a yellow bill and a dark crown.

Great Blue Herons forage in any kind of calm fresh waters or slow-moving rivers.  They also feed in meadows, farmland, and other open fields.  They rest during the day by folding up their neck and sitting quietly in a sheltered spot.  

Great Blue Herons nest in isolated areas in colonies of other great blue herons. Colonies are called heronries. They nest in trees near water.  Their nests can be 100 or more feet off the ground where land dwelling predators might catch them off guard.  Each colony may have from five to 500 nests. Great Blue Herons don’t mate for life but they do go through some difficult courtship rituals which begin when a female and male arrive at a designated breeding area.  

Great Blue Herons are graceful fliers.  They fold their necks back and rest their heads between their shoulders. Their legs trail behind as they fly with slow, deep wing beats.  These birds can cruise at 20 to 30 miles an hour.  

Bears, hawks, eagles, raccoons and turkey vultures have been known to prey on young and adult herons.  The biggest threats to the Pacific Great Blue Heron are human development and disturbance, road construction, and industrial development.  These factors are causing the destruction of the quiet wooded areas herons need to rest.  

These are the sayings found on the bookmark called Advice from a Great Blue Heron.

• Wade into life

• Keep a keen lookout

• Don’t be afraid to get your feet wet

• Be patient

• Look below the surface

• Enjoy a good reed

• Go fish!

Here are my comments about each of these sayings.

• Wade into life - Get involved in activities that bring value to others.

• Keep a keen lookout - Keep a sharp eye on things and keep looking for new ideas.

• Don’t be afraid to get your feet wet - Life is about taking risks and going after what you want. Don’t be afraid to go after your dreams.

• Be patient - Life is a journey.  It takes time to grow and reach your dreams.

• Look below the surface - Don’t judge a book by its cover.

• Enjoy a good reed - Enjoy a good read.  Take time to read and discover new things.

• Go fish! - Reminds me of the card game we played as children.  

Have a great day everyone!  Wade into life and don’t be afraid to get your feet wet.

# living life abundantly   # published author   # travelling tuesdays