Great Blue Heron

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Great Blue Heron
Great Blue Heron

Each package comprises a personalized certificate with the recipient's name, an 8 x 10 photo, and qualifies for a tax receipt.

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias). 

Date of admission: July 7, 2026.
Reason for admission: Physical Injury.

Patient History:

Great Blue Herons are the largest wading birds in North America, standing over 1 metre tall but typically weighing only 5–6 pounds. Their lightweight, hollow bones help support their impressive height and wingspan. They can be found throughout much of North and Central America, as well as parts of northwestern South America. With their tall stature, long neck, blue-grey plumage, yellow-orange bill, and distinctive black crown and head plumes, they are one of the most recognizable birds across Alberta’s wetlands.

Great Blue Herons can be found in both freshwater and saltwater habitats, as well as grasslands and agricultural areas where they forage for food. They are opportunistic hunters and will eat a wide variety of prey, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, insects, small mammals, and even other birds. Using their long, dagger-like bills, they can quickly strike and capture prey before swallowing it whole. During breeding season, Great Blue Herons gather in nesting colonies called rookeries, which can contain hundreds of nests. They typically build their nests high in trees using sticks and other plant materials, although nests may also be built on the ground, in shrubs, or on artificial platforms. Females generally lay 2–6 eggs, which are incubated for approximately four weeks before the chicks hatch. Young herons remain in the nest for several weeks as they grow and develop before eventually becoming independent.

This Great Blue Heron was rescued by one of our volunteer drivers after being found standing in a backyard for more than 24 hours. The heron showed signs of neurological trauma, suspected to have resulted from a collision. Thankfully, the patient is currently doing well in our care, and we are hopeful that with time, rehabilitation, and continued supportive care, they will be able to return to the wild. Your sponsorship helps provide this heron with the specialized care, food, medical treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery time they need for their journey back to the wild. Thank you for helping give this beautiful bird a second chance!

Please note:

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