And that's a big if. For example, in the mid-Atlantic, we don't have many large expanses of forested wetlands left. As development crawls across the great blue heron's habitat in the mid-Atlantic and elsewhere, observations about the herons' breeding behavior will be increasingly important. Biologists will need to carefully monitor heron colonies to ensure the birds get the space they need, as Witt does at Mason Neck each winter and spring. As the May sun shines down on the calm waters lapping the edges of the colony, herons feed and cruise by Witt as he watches the latest crop of young birds.
Cricket frogs tick from the marsh grass and a white-splotched immature bald eagle floats past.
The herons' squawks and clucks punctuate his words, as if in approval. An avid birder and writer, Maryland resident Howard Youth has seen 30 of the world's 65 heron species, but the great blue heron remains his favorite. Conservation Hall of Fame Few Americans have worked as hard as Sigurd Olson to safeguard the habitat of the great blue heron and other wildlife in the streams and lakes of the Upper Midwest and elsewhere. In his numerous books and articles, he wrote eloquently about America's wild heritage. Copyright 2000 National Wildlife Federation.