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 fi sh a day. Standing at about 3 feet tall, you can fi nd 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 infl icted upon any animal, are punishable by law.

Lakehurst School

Senior/Grandparent Day

LAKEHURST – The Lakehurst Education Association, in conjunction with the NJEA, is sponsoring a Senior/Grandparent Day at the Lakehurst Elementary School on May 25 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with registration beginning at 9:30 a.m. and warm welcome which will begin at 10 a.m.

Tours of the school will be available for the guests, followed by a light lunch. All seniors who reside in Lakehurst, as well as any grandparents or great-grandparents of a Lakehurst Elementary School student, are invited to attend. Contact the school at 732-657-5741 by April 26 if you plan to attend or need additional information.

Lakewood 55+ Covington VillageNewer construction gorgeous 2BR/ 2BA Condo 1165 sqft, hdwd floors; CAC; Washer/Dryer; balcony, pool, gym/amenities; billiard/card/theater rooms; parking; $2,700/Taxes; $416/ HOA; ONLY $239,000; pet friendly, close to beaches, shopping and all major highways; 201 390-7377/Julianne_matskin@yahoo.com (15)

For Rent

Floating Dock Slip For Rent This Season - Private home in Baywood area in Brick 25 feet $990 Call 732-477-3053. (17)

Personals

Partner Wanted - To open thrift store. Also need garage rental for storage. Leave message and number for call back 732-678-6786. (17)

For Sale

For Sale - $3000 or Best Offer: Two Grave Plots At Ocean County Memorial Park Toms River. Location: Garden Of Remembrance Grave 277 and 278 (Singles). Number Of Spaces: 2. We hold the deed, and this sale will be conducted at the Memorial Park's office in Toms River. All paperwork will be signed over to new owner's name immediately. If interested, please call 201-400-9433 leave message, all calls will be answered within an hour. (16)

House For Sale By Owner - Pheasant Run section of Forked River. Prime lot. Asking $350,000. For more info, 609-290-9702. (15)

Items Wanted

COSTUME/ESTATE JEWEL-

RY Looking to buy costume/estate jewelry, old rosaries and religious medals, all watches and any type of sterling silver, bowls, flatware candlesticks or jewelry. Same day house calls and cash on the spot. 5 percent more with this AD. Call Peggy at 732-581-5225. (t/n)

$$$ WANTED TO BUY $$$

Jewelry and watches, costume jewelry, sterling silver, silverplate, medals, military items, antiques, musical instruments, pottery, fine art, photographs, paintings, statues, old coins, vintage toys and dolls, rugs, old pens and postcards, clocks, furniture, brica-brac, select china and crystal patterns. Cash paid. Over 35 years experience. Call Gary Struncius. 732-364-7580. (t/n)

Vinyl Records Wanted - Paying cash for LP albums. Rock, Blues, Reggae, Soul. Very good condition only. Call Rick 908-616-7104. (17)

Wanted Storage Space - Long term non-commercial use. Jackson, Manchester or surrounding area. Electric a plus, 732-278-5098. (16)

CASH, CASH, CASH! - Instant cash paid for junk cars, trucks, vans. Free removal of any metal items. Discount towing. Call Dano 732-239-3949. (t/n)

Entire Estates Bought - Bedroom/dining sets, dressers, cedar chests, wardrobes, secretaries, pre-1950 wooden furniture, older glassware, oriental rugs, paintings, bronzes, silver, bric-a-brac. Call Jason at 609-970-4806. (t/n)