Herons in Ohio

 

Great blue heron© Jim Roetzel

From National Park Service website about Cuyahoga National Park.

The largest heron in North America, the great blue is impressive. It stands four feet tall, weighs slightly over four pounds, and has a wingspan of nearly seven feet. In flight, its long neck is usually coiled and its wings are arched, giving it a distinctive silhouette. Its wings beat slowly and steadily. Other large birds hold their wings in V (turkey vultures) or out flat like an airplane (bald eagles).

These herons are generally spotted in wetlands, along the Cuyahoga River, or in their nesting colonies. Look for them slowly stalking fish, frogs, and various other small animals along the water’s edge. They often stand motionless, waiting for a chance to strike. From about Valentine’s Day to Independence Day, you can easily observe one of their nesting colonies, called the Bath Road Heronry. 

Great blue herons nest in colonies, called heronries. Nests are typically in 30-70 foot high trees surrounded by water. Both the male and female share in nest building and caring for the young. Depending on the severity of the winter, males usually start returning to the nesting areas in early February to claim their nests. Two to three weeks later the females arrive, and seasonal monogamous pair bonds are established. From early March to early April is the best time to observe nest building. A male will gather a stick and present it to the female, who takes the stick and adds it to the nest, strengthening the pair bond. Later the inside of the nest will be lined with fine twigs and leaves. Great blue herons are known to use nests from previous years, although it is not known whether or not the same individuals use the same nests each year.