TROPIC and NEAR-TROPIC BIRD COLLECTION

Blue Heron/Gilmore Ponds Habitat Great Blue Heron-Ardea herodias Great Blue Heron-Ardea herodias, Order CICONIIFORMES - Family ARDEIDAE, Here's a view of a portion of Gilmore Pond Habitat as seen on March 6, 2004. A large great blue heron overlooks its kingdom. The largest and most widespread heron in North America, the Great Blue Heron can be found along the ocean shore or the edge of a small inland pond. This beautiful bird was near Acton Lake in Heusto Woods State Park in SW Ohio. The white form of the Great Blue Heron, known as the "great white heron," is found nearly exclusively in shallow marine waters along the coast of very southern Florida, the Yucatan Peninsula, and in the Caribbean. Year-long resident. A very large bird, 38-54 inches long with a 66-79 inch wingspan. (Photo: March 6, 2004) For more species info: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/programs/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Great_Blue_Heron_dtl.html

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Photos Copyright R. Hays Cummins. Authorization required. For permission, contact hays@environment-education-press.org

Sources of species identification and other amazing info include (1) Cornell Lab of Ornithology--a fantastic site; (2)Birds of Eastern and Central North America, Peterson Field Guide Series, Fifth Edition, Houghton Mifflin Company; (3) The National Audubon Society's Sibley Guide to Birds and (4) Field Guide to the Birds of North America, Third Edition, National Geographic, Washington, D.C.