Great Blue Heron, #3/50

I chose the GBH as my #3 for my 50 birds in 60 days project. (Wings Over Florida). For a larger view, simply click anywhere on the photo~

The top image was taken in early morning light at Merritt Island NWR, Jan 2012, the 2nd image was taken @ Wakodohatchee Wetlands in Delray/Boynton Beach, and the bottom image was taken @ Vierra Wetlands, Brevard County FL.

Interesting facts:

The largest heron of the western hemisphere and unmistakable even at a distance. Blue-gray, with a yellowish bill and black head plumes in breeding plumage.  An uncommon all-white morph occurs in southern Florida, which is considerably larger than the otherwise similar Great Egret, from which it is also separable by its yellow legs. It feeds upon a wide variety of prey, such as mice, crabs, shorebirds and frogs, as well as fish. This resident nests alone or in small colonies.