Virginia wildlife
Great Blue Heron
Ardea herodias
Tall wading bird often seen standing motionless in shallow water
See the Great Blue Heron up close
Best months
Apr · May · Jun · Jul
Typical best viewing in early morning or late afternoon; check local refuge reports for nesting colony locations.
Where to look
First Landing State ParkChincoteague National Wildlife RefugeGreat Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
Conservation status
Common year-round resident along coast and waterways
Good to know
Do Great Blue Herons migrate through Virginia?
Many are year-round residents, but northern populations migrate south in winter.
What is the best time of day to see them?
Dawn and dusk when they are actively feeding.
Make it a trip
Rent an RV or boat in Virginia
The rigs here are owned by local hosts. Browse what fits your route, or reach Virginia owners directly.
Browse Virginia rigs
