Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias

    The Great Blue Heron is not uncommon on the beaches of northeast Florida. However, it is just as likely to be found along the shorelines of lakes and retention ponds many miles from the marine environment. The illustrated specimen was encountered near a retention pond in southeastern Duval County on 12/10/2005 while the photographer was searching for aquatic mollusks. The big guy seemed interested - but not interested enough to forsake the protective cover provided by a nearby hedge.