10 Myths & Facts about Great Blue Herons
It’s a common sight to see the “lucky” great blue heron patiently hunting on the shores of Hood Canal and South Puget Sound. Largest of the heron species, up to 4’ in height, they actually only weigh between 5-6 pounds. Here are a few things you may not have known about these iconic Northwest birds.
MYTH
Great blue herons only eat fish.
Great blue herons dine mostly on fish but they will also stalk everything from insects to small mammals and even other birds. In Washington, mice and voles making up a major portion of their winter diet when they choose to hunt on land.
2. FACT
Herons spend about 90 percent of waking time stalking prey.
Great blue herons grab prey in their strong beaks or use their dagger-like bills to impale. This action is known simply as a ‘bill stab’. They shake the prey to break spines before gulping them down. Great blue herons can swallow fish that are much wider than their narrow neck and have even been know to catch small birds in flight. Patience and speed are the keys to their hunting success.
3. MYTH
Great Blue Herons are cranes.
A crane is totally different type of bird. You can tell them apart by looking at the beaks and the way they fly. Cranes have shorter beaks and hold their necks straight when in flight, whereas herons curve necks into an S-shape. Herons are able to do this because of specially shaped vertebra. Great blues also fly with their legs ‘hanging” which is unique from most birds.
4. FACT
Herons are often called “Dinosaur Birds.”
Fossil records date them back 1.8 million years ago, but they are thought to have existed about 25 million years ago during the Cenozoic age. Maybe it’s also because of the prehistoric sounds they make as they take off with the giant 6’ wingspan flapping!
5. MYTH
Great Blue Herons can’t swim.
The great blue does many things that other herons choose not to do, including swimming in deep water with apparent grace and comfort. A quick search on the internet will show multiple accredited images of herons happily swimming in deep water. It’s not a common occurrence though, so consider yourself lucky if you catch sight of this phenomena. Swimming is a testament to the great blue heron’s incredible adaptability.
6. FACT
Great blue herons have adapted “bib” feathers to keep them clean.
Specialized feathers on their chest grow continuously and fray into a fine cleaning powder. This powder is used to help groom their entire body and clean off fish slime.
7. MYTH
Great Blue Herons are monogamous.❤️
Not technically. Great blues are known to be ‘serial monogamous’ — they have one partner for a year but choose a different one each mating season. Despite being territorial with other herons, they typically breed in nesting colonies at the tops of trees containing up to 500 breeding pairs. These colonies are called “heronries.” They obviously do not have any social distancing issues. Great blue herons generally return to the same breeding grounds each year although with different partner choices.
8. FACT
Mates work to build the nest, as well as incubate and feed their young –together.
When the mating pair is chosen, the male gathers sticks while the female weaves them into a platform nest lined with moss, grass, and small branches. She lays 2-6 blue eggs, and both parents take turns incubating them for 4 weeks until the young hatch. They also take turns feeding regurgitated prey to the young chicks.
9. Myth
Heron chicks have yellow eyes when they are born.
Heron chicks have gray eyes when born that become bright yellow when they are adults. The parents continue feeding the nestlings for a few weeks after fledging (leaving) the nest. Young herons will fledge at around two months.
10. FACT
Great blue herons’ colors can demonstrate age, sex, and mating season.
Adult males are larger and generally have brighter orange legs than a female. During breeding season, the lore (the lore is the region between the eye and bill) will turn a bright blue, the iris will turn reddish, and the yellow bill will take on an orange hue.
A couple other things you didn’t need to know about great blue herons:
To keep cool they flutter their throat muscles to increase evaporation.
It can take up to two weeks to build a nest.
Life expectancy of a great blue heron is 15-23 years
Despite their size they can fly as fast as 30 MPH.
An adult heron consumes up to one pound of fish per day.
Learn more
The Cornell Lab - all about birds
Audubon - Great Blue Heron guide
Olympic Bird Trail - Top birding locations on Hood Canal, South Puget Sound, Pacific Coast, and Olympic Peninsula
An outdoor eatery and farm-to-table restaurant focusing on shellfish grown and harvested on site. Open year round for waterfront seating.
Head to Hoodsport for authentic Mexican cuisine in a waterfront setting. Dine indoors or enjoy seating on the pier overlooking Hood Canal. Serves vegetarian dishes · Has kids' menu; open daily 11 AM - 7 PM.
The Boat House accepts reservations in the dining room and the bar and outdoor patio dining areas are fully available for walk-in, first come first serve.
Traditional Mexican along with views of the Hood Canal
Welcome to your private beachfront resort. Hood Canal Resort features two separate beachfront vacation rentals located on the most desirable stretch of Hood Canal called the 'Gold Coast.' This area is known for spectacular sunsets, Olympic mountain views, rainbows and abundant wildlife. It's also home to Alderbrook Resort, restaurants, hiking trails, and a golf course.
Welcome to your private beachfront resort. Hood Canal Resort features two separate beachfront vacation rentals located on the most desirable stretch of Hood Canal called the 'Gold Coast.' This area is known for spectacular sunsets, Olympic mountain views, rainbows and abundant wildlife. It's also home to Alderbrook Resort, restaurants, hiking trails, and a golf course.
This recently renovated cottage features eclectic decor and sleeps four with a fantastic central location in the heart of Union. With two bedrooms, an open floor plan kitchen and living room, this is a great place to gather or dine, with windows overlooking the Canal.
This waterfront studio is centrally located in this quaint cove and provides all you need for the perfect Hood Canal getaway complete with a nearby dining hotspot and shops!
Nestled on the shores of Hood Canal in Union, WA, Alderbrook Resort and Spa is a luxurious waterfront retreat offering a blend of elegance and natural beauty. The resort features guestrooms and cottages with stunning views of the Olympic Mountain Range over Hood Canal and the surrounding forest. Guests enjoy an award-winning spa and saltwater pool, boating access with personal crafts as well as the Lady Alderbrook, a nearby championship golf course, a gourmet restaurant and relaxing waterfront lounge with live music on the weekends.. Known for its upscale yet tranquil ambiance, Alderbrook Resort and Spa is famous for weddings, retreats and family and couples getaway.
One bedroom newly remodeled waterfront cabin with a queen bed and couch pull out, one bath, full kitchen and living room. Outside is a private deck with views of Hood Canal and dock. Cabin includes BBQ, beach towels and only steps away from your beach access to swim, sunbathe and beachcomb. WIFI, no pets.
This two bedroom newly remodeled waterfront cabin with king beds, one bath, full kitchen and living room hosts commanding views of Hood Canal and is conveniently located in the heart of Hoodsport. Walk to restaurants and shops, beach and dock access. WIFI, no pets, four guests maximum.
With three bedrooms, two baths, this home sleeps 6 guests. Situated in a quiet neighborhood, guests enjoy a spacious yard, fire pit and deck. Only minutes away from Alderbrook Resort and the shores of Hood Canal. A perfectly located home for exploring the Pacific Northwest! WIFI, pets ok.
Two bedroom, 1.5 bathroom log cabin with peekaboo waterfront views of Hood Canal from wrap around deck. Main living area hosts vaulted log ceiling, windows with waterfront views and a propane fireplace. WIFI
With four bedrooms, the home sleeps 10 comfortably and is suitable for families. Kitchen that overlooks the Hood Canal and Olympic Mountains, beach and dock access. The spacious covered deck allows for additional dining especially during warmer months. BBQ, floaties, life vests, beach towels and a row boat included as well as WIFI.
Pet friendly 2-bedroom home located in Alderbrook Golf Course sleeps up to four guests. Fenced-in backyard for kids and dogs and BBQ. The main living area is spacious and kitchen is fully equipped. AC and WIFI.
This stylish one bedroom, one bath studio is located a mile east of Alderbrook Resort & Spa. Situated above the garage, the private studio affords a scenic view of the waterfront and Olympic Mountains in a modern, newly designed space for two adults.
Three bedroom, two bathroom home located on Alderbrook Golf course sleeps six guests. This modern home w/ AC is situated on hole 13 with scenic views of natural habitat Within minutes from downtown Union's restaurants, shopping and attractions! No pets, free WIFI, spa, gazebo, kitchen, golf access.
One bedroom, one bath, waterfront studio with dock. Complimentary coffee, beach towels, BBQ, WIFI, kitchen.
No pets.
Modern 2 bedroom, one bathroom home sleeps 4. Beach access and views of Hood Canal. Enjoy seasonal kayaking, sunbathing, barbecuing and swimming from the shared 50' beachfront across the road. This home has two levels. Accommodation is on the first floor with a private entrance with a smart lock. Free Wifi. kitchen, no pets.
Cozy one bedroom, one bath studio with Hood Canal views. Located above a garage with its own private entrance, kitchenette and covered backyard patio with gas BBQ. The studio is spacious and perfect for 2 adults. There are light snacks, a coffee maker with complimentary coffee. Free WiFI, no pets.
Built in 1930 on acreage chosen for its beauty, vistas and the protected waters of Calm Cove, this two bedroom home is situated across the street from its own private beach. Covered porch, fireplace, surrounding woods and fields. Free WIFI, no pets, ample parking. Sleeps up to 4 guests.
One bedroom, one bath studio set in the woods for privacy with canal views, this recently renovated home is situated across the street from its very own private beach. Includes ample parking. A special place to relax, unwind and make memories. Perfect Hood Canal getaway for two! Free WIFI.
This newly remodeled three bedroom, two bath Belfair waterfront home sleeps up to 7 guests in a generational cottage with wrap around deck. The perfect 'beach house' experience awaits you at the Madrona Cottage at Pleasant Cove. The low bank waterfront with expansive tidelands gives you easy access to clams and oysters, and of course Hood Canal's pristine waters.
Beachfront cabin 12 miles west of Belfair on N. Shore of Hood Canal. Private, romantic, fully equip
The Potlatch rooms & RV sites overlook the Hood Canal. This laid-back waterfront motel and cabin resort is a 13-minute walk from Potlatch State Park and 14 miles from Shelton. Cabins, rooms, suites and RV park are on the waterfront and feature views and a sun rises.
The newly refurbished four suite accommodations, located just north of Hoodsport. Each suite hosts equipped kitchenettes/kitchens, comfortable beds, and updated bathrooms. There is a firepit and chairs to enjoy a cozy bonfire.
The Sunrise Resort & Motel is located centrally in Hoodsport on the north end of town. The rooms features waterfront views, outdoor seating, en suite baths, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, flat screen TV with streaming movies, high speed internet access, and include use of resort amenities including the waterfront hot tub, lounging, picnic areas, and BBQs.
Many of the rooms are recently remodeled and updated and the resort added a new waterfront cabin this winter.
Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman, formerly known as Camp Cushman or Lake Cushman State Park, covers over 500 acres with three boat-launch ramps on the 41,500 feet of freshwater shoreline on Lake Cushman. Park facilities include camp sites, RV pull-thru and back-in site, walk-in campsites and two group camping areas. Plus, two day use areas with picnic sites, a picnic shelter, and comfort stations located throughout the park.
Two-bedroom, two-bath for up to six guests. Forest cabin featuring, air conditioning, a renovated kitchen, updated bathrooms, and a hot tub, freestanding propane fireplace, a sleeper sofa, leather chairs, and a rocking chair. Smart TV with a DVD player for entertainment. WiFi. Pets ok.
Restored 1930’s beach cabin with two bedrooms. 315' of oyster rich no bank waterfront on a sheltered cove. Cabin has its own hot tub and sauna. The interior is original combed cedar paneling and vaulted ceiling, fir floors and claw foot tub. Amenities include wood stove, flat-screen, DirecTV, DVD/BluRay, fully-appointed kitchen with vintage Wolf range including side griddle and commercial size oven, linens, bedding, gas BBQ with side burner, washer/dryer, outside shared fire pit, deck furniture and dinghy.
Two bedroom, one bath (sleeps 4) cabin located on the beach in a sheltered cove. Soak in the hot tub or just relax by the river rock fireplace. Property is on a cove and part of three rentals on same 315' of no bank beach frontage (private tidelands). Four sit in kayaks shared between the 3 cabins and each cabin had it's own rowboat. No pets.
Restored 1930’s beach Cottage, right at the water’s edge. 315' of oyster rich no bank waterfront on a sheltered cove. The studio’s interior has vaulted ceilings of combed cedar and bathroom with pebble floor and walk-in shower. Queen-size Murphy bed that pulls out of the wall and two European-style queen-size sofa sleepers. Amenities include flat-screen, DirecTV, DVD/BluRay, fully-appointed studio kitchen, linens, bedding, Gas BBQ with side burner, washer/dryer, outside shared fire pit, deck furniture. No pets.
This 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home sleeps up to eight. The house sits on a hill with a 1,200-sq ft deck overlooking the Canal. Inside, the open floor plan is perfect for a small group or multiple couples/families. Bedrooms and bathrooms on the upstairs and downstairs levels, joined by a communal living area with kitchen/dining/entertaining space on the main floor. Beach access is a 7-10 minute walk from the home. Pets ok.
Waterfront three bedroom home, three bath, spacious loft. Sleeps maximum of 11. Open kitchen/living area, deck with access to no bank oyster and clam beach and views of water, sunset, and Olympic Mountain. Beach has a deep water mooring/buoy. Free WIFI.
Traditional Mexican along with views of the Hood Canal