Unexpected Sighting in Westchester County
Little Blue Heron Behavior at Swan Lake
I spotted the Little Blue Heron at Swan Lake in Rockefeller State Park Preserve. It was perched in a tree near the edge of the water, close to the information kiosk on the Brothers’ path, quietly grooming its feathers and keeping a watchful eye on its surroundings. After a few minutes, it seemed to notice something in the water below. The heron flew down from the tree and landed among the reeds along the shoreline, likely trying to catch its next meal. Watching this bird in action was a memorable experience, especially since it’s not commonly seen in this part of New York.
Little Blue Heron Habitat and Range
After spotting the Little Blue Heron, I did some research on this bird and found the following information:
The Little Blue Heron is typically found in freshwater and brackish wetlands, such as marshes, swamps, ponds, and the edges of lakes and streams. It prefers shallow water where it can wade slowly and hunt for food. These herons often nest in colonies, typically alongside other wading birds, constructing their nests in shrubs or trees near water.
Their primary range is in the southeastern United States, particularly along the Gulf Coast, in Florida, and parts of the Atlantic Coastal Plain. During the breeding season, they are most commonly observed in states such as Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. Some birds will migrate northward in the warmer months and occasionally appear in the mid-Atlantic and northeastern states, including New York. In winter, northern populations migrate south to Florida, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America.
Diet and Feeding Behavior
Little Blue Herons feed on small fish, frogs, aquatic insects, crustaceans, and other small animals found in shallow water. They forage by standing still or slowly walking, waiting to strike with their long, pointed bills. This hunting style makes them efficient and quiet predators in their environment.
Identification: Juveniles vs. Adults
Adult Little Blue Herons are medium-sized wading birds with slate-blue bodies and purplish necks and heads. Their legs are gray-green, and their bills are bluish with black tips. Juvenile Little Blue Herons look very different from adults—they are entirely white during their first year. This can lead to confusion with Snowy Egrets, but juveniles can be distinguished by their pale gray legs and bill color. As they mature, juvenile birds gradually develop patches of blue until they reach their adult plumage.
Final Thoughts on a Memorable Sighting
Seeing a Little Blue Heron at Swan Lake yesterday was an unexpected experience. It was a slow day for taking bird pictures, and capturing this bird made my day. As a photographer with a passion for documenting Rockefeller State Park Preserve, moments like this in the park are special. Learning more about this species added another layer of appreciation to the sighting, and I’ll be keeping an eye out for more surprise visitors in the future.
You can view more pictures of the Little Blue Heron in our Waterbirds Photo Gallery.
You can find more information about the Little Blue Heron from Audubon.
