Do you know the " Great Blue Heron" ?

Whether poised at a river bend or cruising the
coastline with slow, deep wingbeats, the Great
Blue Heron is a majestic sight. This stately
heron with its subtle blue-gray plumage often
stands motionless as it scans for prey or wades
belly deep with long, deliberate steps. They may
move slowly, but Great Blue Herons can strike
like lightning to grab a fish or snap up a
gopher. In flight, look for this widespread
heron’s tucked-in neck and long legs trailing
out behind.

Size & Shape

Largest of the North American herons with long legs, a sinuous neck,
and thick, daggerlike bill. Head, chest, and wing plumes give a
shaggy appearance. In flight, the Great Blue Heron curls its neck into
a tight “S” shape; its wings are broad and rounded and its legs trail
well beyond the tail.

Color Pattern

Great Blue Herons appear blue-gray from a distance, with a wide
black stripe over the eye. In flight, the upper side of the wing is two-
toned: pale on the forewing and darker on the flight feathers. A pure
white subspecies occurs in coastal southern Florida.

Behavior

Hunting Great Blue Herons wade slowly or stand statue-like, stalking
fish and other prey in shallow water or open fields. Watch for the lightning-fast thrust of the
neck and head as they stab with their strong bills. Their very slow wingbeats, tucked-in neck
and trailing legs create an unmistakable image in flight.

Habitat

Look for Great Blue Herons in saltwater and freshwater habitats, from open coasts, marshes,
sloughs, riverbanks, and lakes to backyard goldfish ponds. They also forage in grasslands
and agricultural fields. Breeding birds gather in colonies or “heronries” to build stick nests
high off the ground.

Source: allaboutbirds