dcr
Deceased Member
Registered: February 2004
Posts: 1,317
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This huge (over 4 ft tall with a 6 ft wingspan) bird is the largest heron in North America. Prey species include fish, amphibians, reptiles, small birds, and even some water plants. They catch fish, their primary prey, by impaling them on their sharp bill, then flipping them up into the air, catching them in their bills (headfirst) and swallowing them whole. They occasionally catch larger fish which they take to shore to eat piece by piece. They usually nest in large groups (rookeries), but this family lived alone in a swampy site on Rte 109A in Wolfeboro, right beside the road and a parking area for a sports complex - rare behaviour for a wary bird that usually likes to stay far from the potential threat of human activity. The 2 'chicks' will soon fledge - note how they (left) are nearly as big as 'mom' (right). The male heron shares parental duties.
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