This large bird stands four feet tall and has a seven foot wingspan. It is the largest heron in North America. Its body is blue-gray and its head is white with black plumes projecting to the rear. It has a yellow bill.

The tracks are six to eight inches long. They show three toes facing forward and one back.

Herons live in fresh or salt water, wherever fish are plentiful. They are found in wetland areas, so you will see them along the banks of rivers or in marshes.

They eat fish, snakes, insects, mice, and frogs. They hunt by walking slowly through shallow water and striking at prey. They use the long, dagger-like bill to spear fish. You may see them standing motionless in the water with the head and neck folded back, waiting for prey. Herons will squawk when alarmed or startled.

Herons have special feathers that break up into powder. These are used as a sort of powder puff to clean their feathers. The powder is rubbed into the feathers and combed out using the comb-like claw located on the middle toe of each foot.

Tracks show three toes facing forward and one facing back. The large hind toe enables them to stand on one leg for long periods of time.

They nest in colonies in wetlands where vegetation provides safety for the nesting site. Nests are three feet across and built in trees. They are maintained year after year. Herons will make 30-mile round trips to feeding areas.

There is a heron rookery along the bay near where I live. Many herons roost there. It's a pretty fantastic sight to see them. In flight, the heron is monstrous in size. I have seen many herons slowly stalking prey along the shores of the Eel River, which runs by the property I caretake. They never hurry; just take their time and slowly wade through the shallows. When they strike, it's fast and accurate. Amazing hunters.

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