A YEAR WITH THE BIRDS 
669 
Without question the Great Blue Heron, locally called the 
Blue Crane, is one of the most picturesque birds that we have 
in New England, and only divides the honors with the Bald 
Eagle and the Great Horned and Snow Owls. In many places 
they appear in small flocks, but I have never seen them here, 
except as individuals or occasionally in pairs. 
THE BLUE HERON 
Where water-grass grows overgreen 
On damp, cool flats by gentle streams, 
Still as a ghost and sad of mien, 
With half-closed eyes the Heron dreams. 
Above him in the sycamore 
The Flicker beats a dull tattoo; 
Through pawpaw groves the soft airs pour 
Gold dust of blooms and fragrance new. 
And from the thorn it loves so well 
The Oriole flings out its strong, 
Sharp lay, wrought in the crucible 
Of its flame-circled soul of song. 
The Heron nods. The charming tunes 
Of Nature’s music thrill his dreams; 
The joy of many Mays and Junes 
Wash past him like cool summer streams. 
What tranquil life, what joyful rest, 
To feel the touch of fragrant grass, 
And doze like him, while tenderest 
Dream-waves across my sleep would pass ! 
— Maurice Thompson 
Green Heron : Ardea virescens. S. R. 
Poke 
Length: 16-18 inches. 
Male and Female: Head with lengthened crest. Above dark glossy 
green, sometimes with an iridescence. Edging of wing coverts 
reddish. Neck a rich shade of chestnut, with a purplish wash, 
white streak at the throat, and under parts whitish, shading to 
ash below. Legs and bill yellowish. 
Season: Common summer resident. 
Nest: Of sticks, in a tree, seldom high up. 
Eggs: 3-6, pale green. 
That this Heron is the commonest and best known of its 
family, is attested by the numerous local names it bears. 
