NEW HANOVER TWP. IS HOME TO A COLONY OF GREAT BLUE HERONS 

            Many Township residents are aware of the remarkable and ecologically significant biological diversity that occurs in our area.  Great blue herons are large wading birds that frequent local ponds and streams where they feed primarily on fish and frogs.  When one flies over, it’s certainly hard to ignore with a wingspan of over five feet!  They thrive where aquatic life is plentiful and thus, are an important indicator of environmental quality.  

     These birds congregate during the spring mating season and establish rookeries in undisturbed wooded areas where pairs build large platform nests in the tree tops.  As many as 5 young are fledged during good years.  Most herons migrate south in the fall.  Occasionally, in especially desirable habitats,  the animals forgo this annual migration.  New Hanover herons have been observed feeding in local ponds and streams throughout the winter months.  With as many as 30 to 40 nesting pairs,  the Swamp Creek population may be one of the larger resident colonies in southeastern Pennsylvania.  According to long term residents these birds have been in the same area for decades.  The EAB is determined to insure that measures are taken to protect these animals. 

            With the rapid growth that is occurring in our township many natural habitats along with the associated wildlife are potentially in jeopardy and it is our responsibility to attempt the delicate balance of accommodating  growth while preserving the environment.  

            Periodic updates on this wildlife conservation effort will be reported in upcoming issues of our newsletter.            

            In the Spring of 2003 the EAB participated in the production of a web video on the role that we have played in securing protection for these birds.  If you would like to check it out go to  http://www.greentreks.org/eacnetwork/archives.asp  and  select New Hanover Township/EAC heron rookery May 2003.t

Great Blue Heron 

Scientific Name:    Ardea herodias  (family - Ardeidae, herons and bitterns) 

Common Names:   big cranky, blue crane, gray crane, long john 

Description:           Common large grayish heron with yellowish bill; black stripe above the eye extending to the back of the neck as a plume.  Unlike cranes, flies with neck folded.  Adult birds weigh 5 - 8 lb. and stand about 4 feet tall with a maximum wingspan of nearly 6 feet.  

Voice:                    Hoarse, guttural squawk; especially noticeable between dusk and dawn during the breeding and nesting season. 

Habitat:                A variety of salt and fresh water environments.   

Nesting:                Colonial; 3-5 eggs on a large nest constructed of branches, lined with finer foraged material; nests are usually in trees.

Range:                  From Alaska and temperate Canada throughout the U.S. south to   Mexico, the Galapagos Islands and the West Indies.

Comments:          The primary diet of this bird consists of fish (and inland, frogs).  When the opportunity or need arises they will prey upon small mammals,  reptiles, and occasionally birds.  Generally, temperate latitude herons migrate south in the fall; however, occasionally some birds overwinter in place.