Strolling Great Blue Heron

On a trip to Duke Island Park last September I had the good fortune to encounter 8-9 Great Blue Herons (plus various turtles, damselflies, dragonflies, and butterflies). This picture of a Great Blue Heron turned out pretty good so I'll start with it.

While it may look like this heron was out for a stroll down a woodland trail, the picture doesn't capture the Raritan Water Power Canal that the trail runs parallel to. Most wild animals don't have a lot of leisure time, and are usually near a perceived food source, as was the case with this heron. Perhaps it has determined that the easiest way to get from one good fishing spot to another is to take advantage of the trail that us humans have blazed [1].

September 1, 2022 at Duke Island Park
Photo 238905321, (c) jpviolette, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

[1] Of course, walking along the shore from one spot to another also has benefits; sometimes you're going to encounter a fishy or froggy menu items just walking around. And flying from one spot to another is a valid (if more energy intensive) option.


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