After deciding which section of a creek to be adopted, the group's leader will be asked to fill out an application for a permit. Found near freshwater and saltwater areas including streams, lakes, marshes and tidal areas. They sometimes can be seen floating on islands of kelp offshore. Blue herons are widespread in North America except the northern tundra and forest belts, extending south into northern South America. One of the largest wading birds in California, standing up to 4 feet tall, Its body, wings and neck are bluish-gray with a white head and black stripe ending in black plumes behind the eye.
Juveniles lack the plumes and are more brownish.
Typically three to seven bluish-green eggs in a stick nest, usually found in colonies with man nests in the same tree. Although often mistaken for cranes, herons have longer bills and fly with their necks folded back on their shoulders, extending them only when about to land or when under attack. Don't let the beauty of our streams fool you-there are physical hazards naturally present, as well as potential contamination of stream water from natural and human sources. Even the purest of mountain stream water should be treated before drinking. Avoid exposing fresh cuts or other wounds to stream water or soil.