Little Blue Heron

1/1250s, f9.0, ISO 800, Canon EOS-1D Mark IV, EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM +1.4x


The Little Blue Heron is a small heron. It breeds from the Gulf States of the USA through Central America and the Caribbean south to Peru and Uruguay. It is a resident breeder in most of its range, but some northern breeders migrate to the southeastern USA or beyond in winter. It nests in colonies, often with other herons, usually on platforms of sticks in trees or shrubs. 3 to 7 light blue eggs are laid. The Little Blue Heron stalks its prey methodically in shallow water, often running as it does so. It eats fish, frogs, crustaceans, small rodents and insects. It is the only heron species in which first-year birds and adults show dramatically different coloration: first-year birds are pure white, while adults are blue.
Brazos Bend State Park, TX
 
04/07/2012