We saw this Great Blue Heron fledgling on the forest floor directly under the heronry. As we
watched, it moved towards a more open area and hopefully was able to take off and return to its
nest. Fledgling facts: The transformation from newly hatched chick to fledged young is a remarkable
make over. In two months a 50-gram chick attains 2 kilograms, learns to fly on a 2 meter wingspan,
becomes fully plumaged, and grows a 130 millimetre long bill. The challenge...the nestlings have
never tested their flying skills, nor have they had any experience with navigating in the wind,
landing on a branch, or recognizing (and avoiding!) deep water.

To see move of our Great Blue Heron images click here: Wading Birds