Nesting Great Blue Herons

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Last weekend at Viera Wetlands I had a good time watching some Great Blue Heron nests. 

This first nest had two small chicks, and the parents were being careful to keep the nest built up well around their young offspring.  One particularly long stick was rather problematic.  It was so long, longer than the nest itself.  No matter how they positioned it, it stuck out on the side of the nest.  For minutes they positioned and re-positioned that stick.  I kept waiting for them to get annoyed and just toss the stick overboard, but they didn’t.  The patience of these birdies is amazing to me.

This second nest had babies as well, and a frazzled mother who defended her babies from another Great Blue Heron who kept swooping in and invading the nest area.  I’m not sure if he was trying to steal sticks or chicks or what, but boy did Mama fuss at him when he came flying through!

Want to learn more about nature photography at Viera Wetlands?

Check out my Viera Wetlands page with more information about the location, map, website, photography tips, etc. It is archived by date so you can see my images from previous visits. Maybe you'll be inspired for your own trip!

Planning a trip to Florida? Don't miss my Central Florida Bird Photography Locations reference guide!