Bird Photo: Great Blue Heron

Here is a quick shot of a Great Blue Heron near a community pond close to the Chattahoochee River and the Cochran Shoals Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in the Atlanta, Georgia, area.

Great Blue Heron

The Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) is a majestic wading bird commonly found across North America, from Alaska and southern Canada to Central America, with some populations migrating to the Caribbean and northern South America for winter. Standing up to 4.5 feet tall with a wingspan exceeding 6 feet, this heron is often seen stalking shallow waters in marshes, estuaries, lakes, and rivers, patiently hunting for fish, crustaceans, and small vertebrates with its sharp, dagger-like bill. Its slate-blue plumage, elegant neck, and slow, deliberate movements make it a striking subject for photographers. While some herons are year-round residents in milder climates, others migrate seasonally, often forming loose colonies during breeding season in wetlands or forested areas near water.

[For more information on birds found in Georgia, check out the Birds of Georgia Field Guide on Amazon.]