|
Herons, Bitterns and Egrets of Lake Huron page 2 |
|
|
Herons, Bitterns and Egrets of Lake Huron page 2 |
|
| This group has fewer than a dozen species, and many of them are very rare to the Huron coastal zone. They are often called the long-legged waders. Their diets are fish and other small animals of the marsh or shores. Many feed at night. | Wetlands, small coves, marina edges, floodings, swamp forests, ponds, river edges and small lakes are all potential viewing sites. Some are only found in thick vegetation while others are found along the open shore. |
 |
The Green Heron is very common along the Lake Huron shores and coastal wetlands. It is about 18 inches tall, has greenish or yellow legs, and shows a dark crest when alarmed. |  |
 |
When immature (left photo) the Green Heron resembles many other immature herons but the earliest indication of the chestnut head patches and the black top can be clues. Other small herons have red eyes. This is probably the most common heron of the swamps and rivers. The back often looks more blue than green. |
 |
The Black-crowned Night Heron is a regal bird quite distinctive when grown. The contrasting blue-black head and back against a light underparts make it unique. The immature (right) is hard to tell from the young bitterns. |  |
 |
Reaches its most northern distribution in the Lake Huron area. Rarely seen in the light of day, becomes active at dusk. Voice a loud, single gu-ok. | 
|
 |
Here we see the beautiful Least Bittern, in the predator defeating pose of "freezing" with the bill up (but watching carefully). The dark back distinguishes it from other bitterns. Size, very small, like a rail. Flies only a short distance, then drops in the marsh again and runs. Common but seldom seen in the wetlands. |  |
 A big family to feed and protect. |
 Typical display behavior. |
Freezing starts very young. |
Back to Page 1 - Herons, Bitterns and Egrets
Credits and Notes:
|
|
|||
|
