These are used as a sort of powder puff to clean their feathers. The powder is rubbed into the feathers and combed out using the comb-like claw located on the middle toe of each foot. Tracks show three toes facing forward and one facing back. The large hind toe enables them to stand on one leg for long periods of time. They nest in colonies in wetlands where vegetation provides safety for the nesting site.
Nests are three feet across and built in trees.
They are maintained year after year. Herons will make 30-mile round trips to feeding areas. There is a heron rookery along the bay near where I live. Many herons roost there. It's a pretty fantastic sight to see them.