Posted on 02/24/2019 5:03:20 AM PST by PJ-Comix
Usually they fly away. I’ve heard stories about trappers catching them in leg holds. Bird holds still until they get in range and then goes for the eyes.
I still think it’s a Great Blue Heron, due to the blue colored cap of its head. However, depending on your location in Florida, it could be an intergrade with a Great White which are uncommon. You could find out for sure by sharing your link at Whatbird.com. The people there are super knowledgeable. They can point out all the different things that would indicate which Heron you have.
Lol, cracked me up this morning, thanks.
Yes, it’s a great blue heron. We have one that flies along the length of a stream that cuts through our property. It’s a sight we’ve had here for more than 40 years. Always thrilling!
You do not.
I remember Great Whites being dirt-common in south Florida. Not as common as cattle egrets, but still easy to find.
Startled a heron hiking once (me too) I had quietly came around a bend on the trail to a small pond he was fishing at. He grawked and took off, mouthing what I can only guess were ornithological expletives the whole way, and simultaneously dropped an impressive load of crap into the pond from about 15’ AGL.
LOL - AND these great birds eat rats/mice. Astounding!
No longer will there be need of cats!
Good tip. Thanks
” I got him an artificial heron which he placed next to the pond and that kept the real one away......”
The fake bird didn’t work for me with my Koi pond. I had to buy an Air Dancer. ( those things that you often see at car lots for advertising) It does the trick.
Very nice pond. How deep? Do you use a weed whip to mow right down to the water?
I love the herons. Have a boat in a marina so of course they’re everywhere. Recently had one hanging around the boat. Scruffy looking so it’s probably older. I call them all George. George will be on the side dock where my steps are and if I want to get off the boat he’ll slowly walk up to the main dock, wait for me to walk by, then walk back up by my boat. The ones here are not afraid of people at all.
We used to get a lot of pelicans on the dock. Don’t know why but haven’t seen one of them on the docks in years.
I’ve surprised a couple from underneath. They do try to crap on you. I’ve heard that walking under a rookery is a hellish experience.
I wouldn’t be surprised. Certain birds seem to be more scarce over the years. I have a neighbor here who told me that when she was a girl, this area had tons of Indigo Buntings. Now we just get a handful in our woods.
Eyep..
I’m jealous. Been trying to entice bluebirds for years. Not easy in the suburbs, but I have succeded with tree swallows. Beautiful birds.
It’s a Blue.
We have ‘em all over the place in these parts. They love the rice fields.
My daughter has a blue heron that comes to eat little fish in the cypress pond on her three acres.
An old set of overalls hanging on a coat hanger off the nearest tree works well for shooing the stork.
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