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Ardea herodias of Tennessee LbNA #31388 (ARCHIVED)

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:May 28, 2007
Location:
City:Knoxville
County:Mystery
State:Tennessee
Boxes:1
Planted by:Goldfinch22
Found by: Not yet found!
Last found:N/A
Status:r
Last edited:May 28, 2007
The great blue heron is the largest heron in North America, standing about 60 cm tall, with a length of 97 to 137 cm. They always live near sources of water, and nest in bushes or trees that stand near a lake, stream, or marsh. They can be found in the Neoarctic and Neotropical regions year round, but during the spring and summer, they breed as far south as the Galapagos and as far north as Canada. Some migrate to Central and South America during the winter, but do not breed there.

This particular great blue heron has decided to build her nest near the dam on which construction was started by the TVA on October 1, 1933. From I-75, look for #272, and you’re on your way. From 144, take the first left to the canoe access point, and drive to the second parking lot. Park your car, maybe use a portable bathroom that might be there (if not, don’t panic), then take a walk 2000 feet along the EDGE, until you hear the Bird’s Song a little farther on. Don’t worry about ornithology right now, though. Just keep your ears open to the sound of the water, and your eyes open to the beautiful trees. Oh, just look at that beautiful spreading evergreen! Can’t stop now, though.

Well, I guess you could stop to take a breather on one of the two benches that appear. You can look out on the poor trees that have been put in cages. Now, a little farther along, hear the SONGBIRD’s music? This particular bird doesn’t like water…or steps. Keep going!

Another group of caged plants, guarded by a many-trunked hydra. Walk by a wide-open plain. A little farther along, a fence built to keep back the trees is beginning to cave. On your left, view a tangle of vines wrapped around a tree. Maybe they are trying to give that tree a cage of its own?

Soon, come to a clearing guarded by a two-legged iron giant. Don’t be dragged into the hairpin! Facing the river, stand between the giant’s legs. Straight ahead, about four paces, among branches and rocks, is where our ardea Herodias decided to make her nest.

Please replace the great blue heron so she can continue building her nest and laying her eggs. Who knows? Maybe someday, those babies will fly away to make nests of their own!