Feb. 26, 2012 - Great Blue Herons

At Vierra Wetlands (see last week’s pictures), Great Blue Herons were starting to build their nests. They are large birds and use pretty big sticks as construction materials. Here’s one of them bringing back a good-sized branch.

HeronGreatBlueflightstickVieraWetlands20120130

Here’s another heron arriving back at its nest with a stick.

HeronGreatBluelandingVieraWetlands20120130

Just like the Anhingas in last week’s photos, the herons were occupying the tops of palm trees. This tree was staked out by a pair of herons as a good place to build their nest.

HeronGreatBluepairnestVieraWetlands20120130

I witnessed an interesting courtship drama. There was a heron sitting on top of a different tree. Although you can’t visually tell a male heron from a female, I’m assuming this was a female, because the male is usually the one who goes off and gathers nesting material. A second heron flew in and was attempting to land.

HeronGreatBlueSquabblenestVieraWetlands20120130

However, the female was having none of that and aggressively chased the second heron away. This happened over and over.

HeronGreatBlueSquabblenestVieraWetlands20120130

Finally, her mate arrived back and they both chased the interloper away.

HeronGreatBluePairnestintruderVieraWetlands20120130

There were many Great Blue Herons at the wetlands, and, with the clear blue sky, I was able to get lots of nice flight shots.

HeronGreatBlueflightVieraWetlands20120130