From Pete Benway
Great Blue Herons and Great Horned Owl sharing nest sites. 03/22/2026
this post was submitted on 24 Mar 2026
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I wouldn’t really recommend messing with herons,
I think I’d rather deal with a spicy owl than a spicy heron,
I was just saying that with someone that's been sharing some cranes and raptors on c/birding!
The animal at the clinic that has been the most intimidating to me was the Great Blue Heron. They look even more huge when you're in an enclosed space with nothing between the 2 of you, and I was warned numerous times they go for they eyes first!
I tossed it a fish and backed slowly away while not letting it out of my sight! The owls and hawks I've never worried about once.
Had one of these land in my backyard last year and decide to set up camp for a couple days, tried to go out and give it some water thinking it was likely injured. But nope, got within 15 ft of it and noped out, they are intimidating AF and I like my eyes where they are at present.
My mental picture of them has them so skinny it seems like they shouldn't be that intimidating. But up close, they're still someone angry in possession of a stabby object! No thank you!