[Tweeters] Great Blue Heron Flock

[Bill Anderson]

A while back someone reported (s)he saw what (s)he believed to be a large flock 
of great blue herons riding an updraft high in the sky.   There was speculation 
in the follow-up discussion that the birds were not great blue herons but some 
sort of raptor, like a turkey buzzard.

On 7-5-10, I witnessed a similar occurance in Edmonds.  Around sunset a flock of 
eleven great blue herons gliding over Puget Sound approached Edmonds from the 
north.  The flock glided over the ferry dock, made a 180* circle, and came to 
roost on the roof of the enclosed pedestrian walkway from the ferry terminal to 
the ferry.  


I have been under the impression that great blue herons do not like to be in 
close proximity to one another.   I have never seen them flying together in 
a group other than when they simultaneously take off from the marsh at the sight 
of an eagle.   


The pedestrian walkway is not a regular great blue heron perch like the marina 
roofs a little further to the south.   The sight was very impressive for both 
the number of herons and the fact that I never saw them flap their wings until 
they made the turn.  Their approach was one long glide. 


Even though I accidentally had my camera on the wrong setting for the rapidly 
receding light, I was still able to get some good photos.
Bill Anderson; Edmonds, WA.