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Although herons and cranes appear to be closely related, they have very different lifestyles. Sandhill cranes forage and roost in large flocks, and are very noisy while doing so. Cranes eat in open fields and are omnivores, eating small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, as well as corn and grasses. Herons are very solitary, except during nesting season. In the spring they form large rookeries in treetops to raise their young. Great blue herons hunt fish and other animals while wading slowly in quiet waters. top of page Great blue herons are native to the Pacific Northwest and can be found near most wetlands and waterways. 
A resident of freshwater marshes, the great blue heron is one of the larger wading birds at 4 feet tall. It is slate blue with a white head, a black stripe above the eyes, and a white fore neck streaked with black. Great blue herons are most active at night when they hunt fish, amphibians, and small mammals. These wading birds stand very still for long periods of time, then strike when the opportunity is right. You may spot herons on the refuge spearing fish and flipping them upwards, then catching them in midair. For the most part, herons are solitary birds. In the winter, they may form loose flocks and can be seen in large numbers. In early spring, nesting pairs meet up and begin work on their nest. Herons nest in large rookeries, or groups, which decreases the chances that a predator will kill their young. Heron rookeries can be found in large stands of cottonwood, willow, and aspen trees, usually near water. top of page In the fall, sandhill cranes are a favorite sight and sound at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. 
The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is located in the Pacific Flyway, which is one of four bird migration routes in the United States. In the fall, large flocks of sandhill cranes migrate through the Pacific Northwest on their way to the Central Valley of California, where they spend the winter. These cranes come from Canada and Alaska. Up to 3,000 cranes stop by the refuge to rest on their way to California. Both the gray adult and the brown immature sandhill cranes can be recognized by their very large size and uniform color. Adults have a dull red cap. Cranes are known to be very gregarious, which means that they like to be around other cranes. Sandhill cranes spend most of their days foraging in open fields and meadows, where they eat small reptiles, amphibians, and mammals, as well as plants. Refuge managers plant corn at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge to attract cranes, because it is one of their favorite snacks. At night cranes roost in local wetlands with muddy shores. By surrounding themselves with water, cranes protect themselves from lurking predators. Unlike herons, cranes do not nest in large groups. Sandhill cranes stake out large territories, protecting up to 250 acres for their nesting territory. They place their nest on the ground in meadows and wetlands that have protective cover nearby. Baby sandhill cranes are known as "colts." Try these classroom and field trip activities to learn more about herons and cranes.
Bird Matching Game: Can you match the bird's song to its picture? (requires
Flash) top of page Learn more about herons and cranes! International Crane Foundation International Crane Foundation: Environmental Education International Crane Foundation: Kids Corner Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife: Sandhill Crane Recovery Plan Washington
Department of Fish and Wildlife: Heron
Camera Visit the other learning stations in the Birds of the Refuge field trip. |
