Where Have All the Herons Gone?

BY kincora • February 6, 2017

Where Have All the Herons Gone?

Interestingly enough, there’s no way to know for sure. What we do know is our beloved birds leave their rookery at Kincora each winter and fly south. They may be vacationing as far as Mexico, but it is more likely they’re in the continental U.S. Great blue herons are attracted to water and only need to go where the streams and rivers don’t freeze. They are able to spend the winter farther north than any other heron species.

Great blue herons are also incredibly adaptable; they can eat everything from fish and frogs to snakes and rodents. You can recognize these majestic creatures by their large (72-inch) wingspan, solitary foraging nature and height—herons stand about four feet tall. In flight, you can distinguish a heron from a crane by their s-shaped neck, as cranes fly with their necks extended straight out.

We expect to see our neighbors again in late March to early April, just in time for them to restore their nests and lay eggs! We have planned the sixth annual Kincora HeronFest for Earth Day, Saturday, April 22^nd, when we expect our siege to be settled-in from its journey.

While we may wonder where the great blue herons go when they leave, we at Kincora are committed to always providing a welcoming home for them upon their return. We hope you join us this year as we celebrate the herons, Earth Day, and the progress of our community.