Breeding Pair Little Blue Herons

Egretta caerulea

Description:

These are in breeding colors - which gives them a vibrant purplish red head, dark blue beak with black tip and bright blue feathers. Believe it or not first year birds are White!

Habitat:

Swamps, estuaries, rivers, ponds, and lakes. the feed upon Small fish, amphibians, and aquatic invertebrates.

Notes:

My special secret Egret/Heron breeding grounds. Every tree was loaded with snowy egret, little blues, cattle egrets, Anhingas, and many others. No chicks just yet, but several sitting on eggs. This site, is just off the highway not far from where we live in North Florida I stood in the back of the truck far enough way Careful not to disturb the areas' many feathered occupants. What a wonderful sight. I could have spent all day there.

Species ID Suggestions

25 Comments (1–25)

MaryEvans2 11 years ago

Thank you Outdoor Imagery :)

MaryEvans2 12 years ago

update: - went to the rookery this past weekend, and to my surprise, it was almost empty. Only two snowy egrets could be seen nesting way in the back. Last year's (and all the previous 4 yrs) nests were empty! Not sure if they were already there and left (awful early), or if the smoke from the controlled burning has kept them away, or if the swampy area they nest in being a bit more dry has anything to do with it. If not raining this weekend, I am going back to check again. These birds have been nesting in the same spot for at least the past 4 yrs (most likely longer) - which is why it doesn't make sense they are not there now. Was a bit depressing seeing it empty :(

MaryEvans2 12 years ago

Thank you East end, these were last years photos , but I hope to be checking the rookery this weekend. There are several herons (all types) and Anhingnas breeding in one area - they return each year. I have been busy and haven't the chance to go by there yet :( This weekend looks promising!