We are living in SW Florida for 5 years now. These majestic birds (Great Blues) are skittish of people and as photographers, we are trying to capture their images from a slow-moving boat in the estuaries. As soon as we glide too close (close by THEIR standards), they immediately fly away (of course, that is the perfect photo op). That said, they are usually silent and seem to accept people as an annoyance easily avoided. But every once in awhile, one seems REALLY pissed off that he now needs to relocate himself to another mangrove and will SQUAWK very loudly. It is only very recently that we have heard this squawk (since again, they are usually quiet). And upon hearing it, …..OMG!!!!! It is the most prehistoric sound I have ever heard! You can IMAGINE these birds as pterodactyls very easily! They are truly awesome creatures….and yes, they deserve the title of “Great”.
We are living in SW Florida for 5 years now. These majestic birds (Great Blues) are skittish of people and as photographers, we are trying to capture their images from a slow-moving boat in the estuaries. As soon as we glide too close (close by THEIR standards), they immediately fly away (of course, that is the perfect photo op). That said, they are usually silent and seem to accept people as an annoyance easily avoided. But every once in awhile, one seems REALLY pissed off that he now needs to relocate himself to another mangrove and will SQUAWK very loudly. It is only very recently that we have heard this squawk (since again, they are usually quiet). And upon hearing it, …..OMG!!!!! It is the most prehistoric sound I have ever heard! You can IMAGINE these birds as pterodactyls very easily! They are truly awesome creatures….and yes, they deserve the title of “Great”.