54 BIRDS OF OHIO, 



63. (194.) Ardea herodias Linn. 185, 

 Great Blue Heron. 



Synonyms: Blue Crane. 



Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 165. 



This, the largest of our herons, is being jostled about at 

 an alarming rate as its wooded retreats disappear. It is a 

 summer resident in all parts of the state, but the large 

 heronries once accommodating great numbers of pairs are 

 either greatly reduced or wholly destroyed. I have reports 

 of a great heronry at Richmond, and another, already re- 

 duced to half its former size, some eight miles southeast of 

 Jefferson. The water is being drained off and the trees 

 made into lumber, and the birds must go. In Lorain county 

 half a dozen pairs nest each year, but there is no apparent 

 increase in numbers from year to year. Their nesting re- 

 treats have not yet been discovered, so they are likely to re- 

 main in peace for some time. 



Unlike the bitterns, the herons prefer either running water 

 or stagnant water free from much growing vegetation. The 

 Great Blue feeds mostly from the fish nets in Lake Erie, 

 taking the fish out of the "pounds." Batrachians are cap- 

 tured in the streams and ponds, and some grasshoppers are 

 used to vary the diet. 



The first reach Oberlin about March 20th, and the last 

 return south about the middle of October. 



63. (196.) Herodias egretta (Gmel.). 186. 

 American Egret. 



Synonyms: Herodias alba egretta, Ardea egretta. 



Great White Egret, Great White Heron, White Crane. 

 Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 165, 185. 



Dr. Wheaton wrote of this heron, "Rather common vis- 

 itor in July, August, and September." It is now not only 

 not common, but any record is counted worthy of special 

 mention. Specimens have been taken in Erie, Lorain, Cuya- 

 hoga, and Ashtabula counties in recent years, besides the 

 numerous records from counties farther south. Di. Whea- 



