Plate LIV. 
Fig. 7. ARDEA HERODI AS-Greai 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 Bed-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 Herou, illustrated on Plate XXYII, is a pretty good miniature representative of 
that of the Great Blue Heron. The plan and material of the two are very similar. 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 
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