The Great Blue Heron in Oregon 

The Great Blue Heron can be found through most of North America, and they are fairly abundant through Oregon. With a head-to-tail length of up to 4 and a half feet, they are the largest of the herons on the continent. They usually have a white face, and at the beginning of breeding season their yellow bills become bright orange and they develop an ornamental plume on the lower back.They typically feed alone, often wading in shallow water looking for fish to grab or to spear with their sharp beaks. The Great Blue Heron is also known for its harsh and loud croak, which is most common during breeding season. The morning and evening hours are generally the best times to look for them.

Habitats for Great Blue Herons

The Great Blue Heron will generally nest in bushes or in trees, but always near water. You are most likely to see them in marsh areas and at the edges of lakes rather than rivers. They are commonly found in the Tualatin National Wildlife Refuge among other places in the area, and they are one of the species that actively breed in Oregon.

Best seasons to see Great Blue Herons in Oregon

Great Blue Herons in Oregon are non-migratory so they can be found in large numbers all year long. Weather is clear and dry during summer so this might be the best conditions for birding, but the bird is known to be very sturdy so you can still find them even in harsh conditions during winter.

Great Blue Herons in Oregon summary

• Typical habitat: Near still water, and feeding in shallow water
• Seasons: All year round
• Abundance: Common – species likely to be seen or heard in suitable habitat