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
This pet friendly 1300 sqft. modern home is built directly on the beach and has large picture windows bringing in stunning views of Hood Canal, the Olympic Mountains, amazing wildlife and rainbows. The home is spacious, bright, modern and very comfortable.
This three bedroom 2400 sqft. home is built directly on the beach and displays stunning views of Hood Canal and the Olympics through floor to ceiling glass. The home is spacious, comfortable and resort-like with its many amenities such as a private hot tub, private infrared sauna, gas fireplace, outdoor gas firepit, and comfortable furniture.
Along with a private dock offering moorage and diver access, the Resort features cottages and townhouses with full kitchens as well as king and queen rooms in the main Lodge. There is also extensive facilities for RVs. The resort provides scuba wash down areas as well as a spa and common room.
Beautiful historic waterfront home on scenic Hood Canal. Schafer Lodge is only 3.5 blocks away from highly rated Alderbrook Resort and Spa. The original 2 story building was built in 1923. The Lodge is right on the water with no bank and it includes 7 beds, 5 bedrooms and 3 baths. Also, there is a sauna, children's room and a 200 ft shared dock and ample parking for cars.
The place is perfect for two adults to get away. They are pet friendly with certain limitations, however. Our off-the-grid log cabin is great for a private, romantic weekend, a contemplative retreat or base camp for adventures around Hood Canal and the Olympic Peninsula. There are good restaurants nearby with indoor and outdoor dining and take out service. There is a stunning view of Hood Canal and the Olympic mountains right from your deck.
You are renting an entire studio apartment space on the lower level of our 3 -story home. It overlooks Hood Canal. The tranquility of the space is amazing with the forest setting and water views. Sit back and relax!
The property has an incredible view from the deck with beach access (you can pick oysters). There is also a great secluded area for camping and a fire pit (within season). There is a new full size bed in the bedroom and a futon that sleeps 2 in the living room. I also have a new blow up mattress for additional guest and lots of bedding. My place is close to In walking distance to Robin Hood Restaurant & Pub, Alderbrook Restaurant Resort and Hiking path, The Deli, Cameo Boutique and a gas station convenience store. A short 2 mile drive takes you to golf course or Union with Boat Launch and Marina, Union City Market (art & specialty foods), Union Country Store (specialty foods) and Dos Margaritas Restaurant and bar.
Pebble Beach Place is a designer-inspired original bungalow carriage house. The carriage house is situated on the hill above the main residence of a gorgeous classic South Shore 'Hood Canal Home'. It is separate from the main house and is above the studio garage on the 2nd floor with stairs (we are sorry in advance that we cannot accommodate disabled or handicapped individuals). While the house is not directly on the water we are only a short 75 ft across hwy 106 and we have 85 ft of private beach and beach deck available for oyster and shellfish picking.
Welcome to paradise on the pristine shores of Hood Canal! Awe inspiring waterfront studio with massive concrete prow and dock! Your doors open to epic views, sights and sounds! Ideally situated in the center of Calm Cove with protected water ideal for swimming, sunbathing and launching your kayak adventures. Outdoor fireplace affords the ultimate fireside experience! Perfectly located between Alderbrook Resort & Spa and Downtown Union!
The Skoko Condo has one bedroom with a queen sized bed in it. There is also a sleeper sofa to throw a couple extra of your loved ones onto. We allow up to 5 total people in this condo, if you need more space take a gander at their neighboring units. There's one bathroom as well. There is a full kitchen perfect for whipping up a few meals as well as a dining table to enjoy them at. With a good sized television and internet, we offer that entertainment that we all need after a long day of exploring the beautiful outdoors.
Union is often referred to as the “Gold Coast” of the Hood Canal—for good reason. It’s calm, warm waters, delicious oyster abundant beaches,and majestic sunsets over the Olympic Mountains make for a truly special experience. Whether you are looking to swim, fish, crab, shrimp (May), play on the water, or just relax, this place is for you!
Iconic 1970's PNW home on Alderbrook Creek with Skyroom views of the Hood Canal and Olympic Mountains. Surround yourself in nature with two levels of wrap-around decks, or walk amongst the treetops on the Skyroom balcony. This one-of-a-kind home sleeps 11, with three bedrooms and 3.5 baths. Perfect for a group retreat, family getaway, or reunion!
Welcome to Towering Cedars, your cozy cabin near the Olympic National Park-Staircase Entrance! This lovely cabin is nestled just a mile from Hoodsport The cabin has 2 bedrooms and one bath, a fire pit, and is equipped with everything you need for a comfortable and relaxing vacation. Explore the beautiful natural scenery in the Olympic National Park, Lake Cushman, and Hood Canal, all just a short drive away. Book your stay today and experience the beauty and serenity of Hoodsport!
Enormous trunks reach for the sky, lacy limbs stretch to the sun, grooved bark is sanctuary to tiny creatures in the vast cathedral of Douglas-firs that dominate the forests on this side of the Olympic Peninsula. Staircase is located in the southeastern corner of Olympic National Park, about a one-hour drive from Olympia, and two hours south of Port Angeles.
With a fabulous beach just outside the door you'll love the waterfront views of beautiful Hood Canal. This classic beach home is nestled on the shore where you can launch your kayak or small watercraft, or just relax and watch the changing tides. Conveniently located close to the small town of Hoodsport WA where you'll find shopping, restaurants, groceries, wine tasting, everything you need. An outdoor adventurer's dream where you can enjoy hiking in the Olympic Mountains, or fishing, kayaking, and diving in Hood Canal.
Set atop Harrison Hill on a quiet residential cul-de-sac, this 1,800 sqft home features a open floor plan with great flow. Peek-a-boo views of the Hood Canal and the surrounding lush greenery make this home a peaceful retreat and a fun gathering space. A large wrap-around patio, fire pit, seasonal gazebo, and outdoor dining set offers inviting outdoor entertainment! Charming gift shops, restaurants, coffee shop, wineries & distillery located along the Hood Canal, are a short walk down the hill!
REST-A-WHILE RV PARK is located on the west shore of Hood Canal north of Hoodsport, Washington. It was homesteaded in 1889 by Colbein John Sund and later established as a resort in the 1900s. It now offers over 90 waterfront and RV sites, RV supplies, group facilities, a private oyster and clam beach and seasonal activities. We welcome all families to come and stay with us for a while.
Set on a rocky estuary shoreline, Potlatch combines the delights of the sea and land. Mature pine forest gives way to sweeping views of the Hood Canal at this classic Western Washington park.
Come stay at Lake Cushman and enjoy the Olympic National Forest as your backyard. The Jupiters Landing cabin is a short mile from the lake where you can enjoy hiking, camping, boating, and fishing. If you like Kokanee and Cutthroat trout, then this is the spot for you. However, if you're looking for a quiet cozy getaway in the forest, then this might be for you as well!
During summer months, Sund Rock offers a glamping experience that includes dive beach access for two during your stay!!! Come out for a couple days to relax, recharge, dive and enjoy everything the area has to offer!!
Wetlands, pebble beaches, tidal flats and salmon runs are the stuff that Puget Sound is made of. Discover and explore these features and more at Belfair State Park.
Enjoy 85+ feet of No bank waterfront on the Hood Canal with Amazing 180 degree views from your private deck. Set on 1.1 acre, the beach Loft has mature landscaping and raised aggregate patios throughout. An expansive lawn (7000 square feet), is available for all kinds of games and fun. 2 bed/ 1 bath, 1100 sqft beach loft has a peek of the top of Mt Rainier from the large picture windows.
This beautiful Beach House just 10 miles SW of Belfair, WA on Hood Canal's North Shore is a perfect family getaway! 1700 square feet, 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, fully stocked kitchen, outdoor BBQ, patio and fire pit, access to private community beach, dock and boat launch in Shorehill Estates. Home is perched on the hillside, private outdoor seating area, 3 lots back from the beach with incredible sweeping views and just a short walk to beach area, that includes covered picnic tables, grass area, boat launch, parking & restrooms.
"Once Upon a Tide" is a waterfront home located on Hood Canal in Belfair, WA. It is the perfect beach getaway – just 90 minutes from Seattle. The beach house sits on 100 feet of private, no-bank, pebble beach waterfront and features a large deck to take in the spectacular views.
This beautiful, 2 story, Cape-Cod style home is perched on 100’ of waterfront on Hood Canal’s North Shore. A generous bulkhead provides plenty of open deck space, along with a small yard. Small boats may be tied up on the beach, which slopes down to a plentiful oyster bed at low tide. Larger boats may be launched at the public dock one mile down the road, and moored on a nearby buoy. The Hood Canal is blessed with the warmest water in the Puget Sound.
MR Cabin on Hood Canal is a fabulous beach house for summer break. A propane stove will get you through your winter getaway. Spacious deck with furnitures, and outdoor shower in backyard for you to experience. There're kayaks, bike and a hammock for fun. There're two fenced yards if you’re staying with your dog/s. Community fire pit directly facing canal to enjoy the sunset. Walking distance to the state park for fishing or shellfish harvesting. Golf courses nearby for golf enthusiasts.
Waterfront home with three bedrooms, private dock, beach and spectacular views of Hood Canal. Centrally located between Hoodsport and Potlatch, it will be hard to leave this 3500 sf home that is completely equipped with all you need for a stay on the Canal including kayaks, waterside golf, spa and decks reaching out into the fjord.
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.
Traditional Mexican along with views of the Hood Canal