Great Blue Heron: Nesting and Mating Behavior

Visited a Great Blue Heron rookery today, which consists of three nests. All are occupied. This pair were exhibiting a variety of behaviors, including nest building and mating.
More great blue heron videos here:    • Great Blue Heron Video Compilation (A...  

Great blue herons stand almost 4 feet tall and have a 6-foot wingspan. These impressive birds winter across the United States and into South America. Breeding occurs in early spring in Canada and the northern United States. Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of great blue heron courtship rituals are their complex displays.
Great blue herons don't mate for life, but they do have elaborate courtship rituals that help pairs form strong bonds. Their mating displays include bill snapping, neck stretching, moaning calls, preening, circular flights, twig shaking, twig exchanging, crest raising and even bill duels. Scuffles over females are common, but never end in death. Once their complex dance is finished, the male and the female heron will have the strong bond necessary to raise their hatchlings together.
Males choose nesting sites and supply females with the materials to build the nest. Nests are large, 3 three wide by 3 feet high, and are built high in trees to keep them safe from predators. Herons build their nests in about a week, but construction continues throughout incubation and after the eggs have hatched. Eggs are incubated for about 28 days; both partners share in the duties of incubation and care of hatchlings.

Location: Ottawa, Ontario - Canada.
Equipment: Canon 70D, Sigma 150-500mm.

Follow me on these other social media platforms:
Facebook:   / justin.hoffman.7758  
Instagram:   / hoffmanoutdoors  
Twitter:   / hoffmanoutdoors  

Stock Photo Site: https://JustinHoffmanOutdoors.zenfoli...
Contact: [email protected]

Subscribe to my channel for the latest great blue heron videos, trail camera videos, wildlife footage, and fishing and outdoor gear reviews and adventures..

Great blue heron, great blue heron nesting, great blue heron mating, blue heron, heron, herons, great blue heron video, great blue heron videos, heron video, heron videos, great blue heron nest, heron nest, heron nesting, bird, birds, birding, wildlife, nature, outdoors, wild, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

#greatblueheron #greatblueheronnesting #greatblueheronmating #heronnest #nestingherons #greatblueheronvideo #greatblueheronvideos #birdvideos #heron #herons #heronrookery #greatblueheronrookery