"One of the largest bird species in Ohio, populations of the great blue heron are widely distributed throughout the state. Native to Ohio, there was a time when heron numbers dwindled as these birds’ feathers were a favorite of the millinery trade during the 1800s. The great blue heron is often observed motionless, as it pursues its prey while standing in a stream, river or wetland. Unlike numerous other predators that actively stalk on foot or wing, the great blue heron takes the complete opposite approach–it stands still, watching the water for a fish. Then in the blink of an eye, in a sharp and seamless movement it will snare its prey."
Ok, so they do exist in Ohio. But, in JANUARY!?!
I read a bit further and came up with this quote from the same site:
"The herons will migrate to warmer areas with unfrozen waters in the winter; rarely does a great blue heron remain in the state at this time of year. They return to Ohio as soon as the ice melts mid-February in warm years and mid-March during a particularly long or cold winter."
I am thinking that this guy is hanging around because it is so unseasonably warm. I will look for him again!
Here are some pics of each that I snagged from Wiki(!)
