2. Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias Largest wading bird and largest North American heron Head-to-tail length of 36- 55 in Wingspan of 66-79 in Weight of 4.5-8 lbs Stride is around 9 in, almost in a straight line

3. Habitat Fresh and saltwater marshes Mangrove swamps Flooded meadows Lake edges Shorelines near bodies of water, usually nesting in trees or bushes.

4. Distribution

5. Diet Small fish Shrimps, crabs, aquatic insects Herons locate their food by sight and usually swallow it whole. Herons have been known to choke on prey that is too large. Herons use their long legs to wade through shallow water, and spears fish or frogs with its long, sharp bill.

6. Breeding Breeding groups are called heronry The size of these colonies range between 5–500 nests per colony Females lay three to six pale blue eggs One brood is raised each year Predators of eggs and nestlings include turkey vultures, hawks, bears and raccoons

8. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDs7AU j-FIo