Bald Eagle and Great Blue Heron

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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.

haliaeetus leucocephalus

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.

Ardea herodiasThis close-up showcases its beautiful feathers.

 ardea erodias close-upHerons 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.

2 thoughts on “Bald Eagle and Great Blue Heron”

  1. 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 🙂

    1. 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.

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