Great Blue Heron, taking off in snow
Ardea herodias
Great Blue Heron · Green-Wood Cemetery · 16 February 2026
A Great Blue Heron caught a beat into launch at Green-Wood in February, one leg still trailing on the ground and the wings already at full extension. Green-Wood's ponds hold at least one Great Blue Heron through most winters; the species doesn't strictly need to migrate as long as some open water stays unfrozen nearby.
A heavy bird for its wingspan, so getting airborne takes a longer run-up than most water birds need. Once up it flies with the neck folded and the legs trailing, at a stately two beats a second.
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