After a beautiful mild winter, spring has been off to a slow start. However, the past few days have been warm and sunny, providing us with some terrific early spring paddles. As usual we are seeing an abundance of geese and ducks along with several great egrets and great blue heron.

Everyone living in our coastal environment has heard the harsh croak of the Great Blue Heron. It is the largest heron in North America measuring more than four feet from head to tail with a wing-span of roughly six feet. At this size, it is relatively light in weight at only seven and a half pounds. In the Spring breeding season, the heron undergoes several physical changes such as growing plumage down it's back, a yellowish bill that turns orange, and grey legs that turn orange.

The Great Blue Heron is a hardy bird capable of wintering in our region. They are often spotted on Ayers Creek throughout the winter. These opportunistic birds can adapt to a variety of habitats such as fresh and saltwater marshes, flooded meadows, lake edges and shorelines. In fact, they are often spotted in heavily developed areas as long as there are water bodies bearing fish. They typically nest in trees or shrubs near the water's edge and prefer isolated areas with an abundant food source.

The primary food source for the Great Blue Heron is small fish but they will also eat shrimp, crabs, insects, rodents, frogs, snakes and small birds. Typically herons feed along the water's edge in shallow areas during day and night, especially during dusk and dawn.  

The Great Blue Heron is one of the most common birds spotted on Ayers Creek.  

Plan your paddle on Ayers Creek today!!