Great blue heron flock

[b4quin]

I've been watching a flock of great blue herons since before Christmas. Now the Maumee River is almost entirely ice bound with only a few open areas. I'd guess they would move on to find open water, but hasn't happened yet. I'm assuming this is normal behavior I'm seeing. Is this true and will they move on or are they likely to stay close? Thanks

[AndyB]

Hi Bill, Great Blues do tend to stay put and are pretty hardy but extreme weather and food shortages will move them on. One of their keys to success is their varied diet not just replying on aquatic creatures but will eat mammals and small birds. You might even find one in a field.