around thE JErSEy ShorE The Great Blue Heron –Astonishing Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

Renee A. Thomaier

Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

Birds are incredible creatures. In this article I will cover some amazing things about the great blue heron that may astonish you. Did you know that in North America the great blue heron is the largest heron, and is one of the heaviest-flying birds, cruising at 20 to 30 miles per hour? They can also be found in Northern Mexico, Galapagos, and Central America.

Their wingspan is nearly 7 feet. Weighing in at about 4 pounds, still they can consume up to 2 pounds of fish a day. Standing at about 3 feet tall, you can find them hanging around rivers, marshes, streams, and lakes. Their plumage on top is grayish blue, with their breasts and bellies being white in color. Long skinny necks that have reddish hue, with a black plume on the top of their head, their bill is orange or bright yellow.

They nest near water on large trees or sometimes in low shrubs. Initially when their eggs are laid, they are very blue in color. The females produce 2 to 7 eggs. Both parents will incubate the eggs. They will start to mate between 3 and 4 years old and can live to approximately 15 years. A strict carnivore, food sources for this heron consists of fish and frogs, but they will also enjoy birds, insects, snakes, turtles, small mammals, toads, shrimp, clams, snails, and oysters. With their long, thin legs, they stand still in the water looking for prey. Using their neck that can stretch up to about 3 times its length, they locate their prey, spearing them with their long, sharp beak before swallowing them whole.

Primary predators of the great blue heron are coyotes, foxes, wolves, peregrine falcons, bald eagles, and alligators. Due to the fact that their natural habitat is being destroyed, while they are not yet endangered, it is expected that their numbers may dwindle in the coming years. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen.

Information for this article was gathered through multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732244-2768.

It is illegal to possess or relocate wildlife for any reason without the proper state and/ or federal permits. Violating New Jersey laws protecting wildlife, which includes harm inflicted upon any animal, are punishable by law.

Ocean County Man Charged Over String Of Break-Ins

By Alyssa Riccardi

LACEY – A Jackson Township man has been charged for a series of break-ins that occurred on the same street in Forked River. The burglaries happened at three different homes on Roanoke Drive on February 12 and 13. All incidents involved the suspect using forced entry including broken windows, police said.

As a result, over $2,000 of items were stolen from the home and $1,500 worth of damages were estimated.

Investigation led police to identify 46-yearold John Cottrell Jackson Township as the suspect. Authorities searched Cottrell’s home and car, seizing items that belonged to the victims as well as discovering additional evidence connected to the crimes.

Cottrell was charged with three counts of Burglary, two counts of Theft, one count of Criminal Attempt – Theft, and three counts of Criminal Mischief. Cottrell was served with his copies of the criminal complaint at the Ocean County Correctional Facility, where he was being held on unrelated charges, police said.

Charges are merely accusations until proven in a court of law.

Berkeley Over 55 Slow Pitch League Draft

BERKELEY – The Berkeley over 55 senior summer premier league plays on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from May to August. Game time is 10 a.m. All new players must show proof of age (e.g. drivers license) at the tryouts.

Registration for new and existing players is now open (existing players who want to change teams must register for the draft).

New players must be at least 55 in the 2023 calendar year.

New players: legal bats: if you are 55 to 69 years of age, your bat must be ASA or USA certified. Players 70 and over can use a ASA, USA or a senior bat.

All registered players must attend the tryout to be eligible for the draft. The tryout is scheduled for April 11, 10 a.m. at Whispering Pine Park fields, located at the corner of Orlando Boulevard and Selkirk Avenue, Holiday City. Tryouts start at 10 a.m. Rain date is Thursday, April 13, same venue and time.

Registration link is found here: leaguelineup. com/welcome.asp?url=berkeleyssl

Questions regarding the league contact John Dowling at johnbeav@hotmail.com.

Issues registering for the draft contact Mike Singer at 732-580-0633 or email at singemi43@ gmail.com.