Jordan Lake. One way great blue herons, in the excessive heat, cool off is by “fluttering”. They use a combination of mouth breathing while vibrating their moist throat membranes. This results in evaporation and cooling.

Jordan Lake. Foraging together along the shoreline of the lake was a striking pair of birds. One was a very brilliantly white great egret and the other was a very colorful male mallard. The great egret was the first one Captain Doug and I had seen this season.

Jordan Lake. Great blue herons really enjoy standing still within a garden of American water willows. Fish love to get in around the stems of the American water willow which of course means it’s a good place for a great blue heron to look for food. The American water willow’s blossom reminds me somewhat of a tiny iris. You can find them at some of the boat ramps on Jordan Lake these days. Go and enjoy this native plant.

Jordan Lake. Jack-in-the-box … Just how tall can a great blue heron stretch its neck? This morning at the lake I had to laugh and laugh. I hope you too find some laughter in the great blue heron’s antics!