Plate LIV. 



Fig. 7. ARDEA HERODIAS-Greaf Blue Heron, 



This magnificent bird is still a resident of the state, and is not infrequently seen, from March until 

 November, along streams and about ponds and lakes. It sometimes arrives very early in the year, even 

 before the frost is out of the ground, and stragglers occasionally remain until the winter's cold freezes over 

 their accustomed hunting grounds. 



The nest is usually ready for the eggs by the middle of May. But one brood is reared by each 

 pair during the year. . 



LOCALITY : 



The nest is built in a tall tree, either in bottom-land along a pond or stream, or on a lake bank 

 near a marsh. All the nests which I have seen have been in sycamores, along rivers and creeks. Near 

 the mouth of Big Walnut, in Franklin county, there is a heronry of seven or eight nests, several of 

 which are occupied every year. In the West the Heron frequently builds on rocky ledges, and also in 

 small trees and bushes. 



POSITION : 



The nest is placed near the top of the tallest trees, either in a perpendicular fork, or on a horizon- 

 tal limb near the main trunk, or at a point of bifurcation. It is generally very inaccessible; and any 

 attempt to procure the eggs is attended with much labor and danger. 



MATERIALS: 



In general appearance the nest resembles at a distance that of the Red-tailed Hawk, but it is not 

 so compact and well made. It is composed almost entirely of sticks, loosely woven into a large platform. 

 The nest of the Green Heron, illustrated on Plate XXVII, is a pretty good miniature representative of 

 that of the Great Blue Heron. The plan and material of the two are very similai\ Considering 

 the loose construction of the nest, it is remarkable how very strong and lasting it is. The elements 

 make but little impression upon it ; and until the sticks of which it is composed have decayed, it defies 

 the winds and storms. On account of this stability the Heron does not build a new nest each season, but 

 occupies for a number of years the same structure, perhaps adding a few repairs, as occasion demands. 

 When the old nest begins to crumble, another is frequently built immediately upon it, either by the original 

 builders, or possibly some of their descendants, and on account of this habit, nests are sometimes found 

 which measure more than two feet in thickness. 



EGGS: 



The eggs of the Great Blue Heron measure from 2.50 to 2.75 in long diameter, and from 1.75 to 



201 



