While attending the Sandhill Crane Weekend at Barren River Lake State Resort Park recently, we also enjoyed getting a good look at a Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). According to park officials, they are winter residents and are often seen near the dam.
While we were watching the eagle, a Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) landed gracefully just across the river from us and struck this elegant pose.
This close-up showcases its beautiful feathers.
Herons are common year-round Kentucky residents and I always enjoy seeing them, either flying overhead or feeding near the edge of water.
Folks with fish ponds are less happy to see herons, since fish are their favorite food. A couple of years ago one landed in our backyard, and we recently saw one on top of a neighbor’s roof. Now we’re wondering. We haven’t seen our goldfish recently. Are they hidden under the rocks for the winter or did the heron dine? Time will tell.
A number of years ago, a Great Blue Heron spent the summer flying quite low up my
road (I was entranced!) and left a number of feathers below which I gathered, giving
some to friends and keeping several in a small handblown vase which I still treasure
but to be so close to a Bald Eagle is something I still long to experience. You must have felt your Sandhill Crane weekend an extremely rich experience – Thank You
for sharing it with us 🙂
Yes, Beth, it was a rich experience. Thanks for sharing the Great Blue Heron experience. Interesting that it left the gift of some feathers and that you have obviously appreciated. I’m hoping you can will yet get to see a Bald Eagle up close.