Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)

Great blue herons are birds that are frequently seen along the shores of the Altamaha River. These large, blueish-gray birds stand over 1 meter (or 3 feet) in height. They may be seen along the shores of both freshwater and saltwater bodies of water--rivers, lakes, marshes. They wade through the water trying to catch small fish with their bills.

In addition to fish, herons sometimes eat insects, frogs, shellfish, and rodents. Adult great blue herons have few predators. Heron chicks, however, have many predators. Great blue herons build their nests in the tops of trees. Raccoons and large birds flying over the nests, such as crows and hawks, prey upon chicks in the nest.

Habitat destruction and marsh drainage reduce the area the herons have to search for food and build nests. Heron populations decline when their habitats are destroyed.