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Gift cardsDate: May, 2021
Location: Long Island
Description: Great blue herons are actually mostly blue-grey in color, with some black and white markings. Their back, wings, and crown are a slate-blue color, while their neck is a rusty-brown color with black stripes. Their belly and underparts are a pale grey or white color. The blue coloration of great blue herons is due to the way that light interacts with the structure of their feathers. Their feathers contain microscopic air pockets that scatter and reflect light, creating the blue color that we see. So, while great blue herons may appear grey from a distance, their coloration is actually a unique combination of blue, black, and white, which allows them to blend in with their surroundings and avoid detection by predators or prey.
