Cliff Drake wrote:

>They were hard to count since they keep flying around, but I know
>there were at least six today, but my question is in regards to a display
>I saw. Today was the first time I've seen herons displaying. There were
>two on the west end of the locks, about 30 feet apart on separate
>abutments, and I was no more than 50 ft. from either one. First the one
>closest to me started displaying, spreading his (I'm guessing they were
>male) wings to make himself look bigger. He chased most of the seagulls
>away and soon the other heron flew over to the same area as the first.
>They proceeded to display, necks straight, bills up, wings bowed out. As
>they closed in on each other they would spread their wings, usually with
>one wing lower than the other. They reminded me of a kildeer's broken wing
>display. Finally, they attacked each other, squawking and flying at each
>other, stabbing with their bills. After a few seconds one chased the
>other away. It was a very impressive display. So my questions are:
> 1. Was this a territorial display? Why now, After breeding season?
> 2. My impression was that at least one was a juvenile, but I didn't have
>any books with me. Could this have been two juveniles playing at displaying?
> 3. Or are herons just persnickity? Anyway, it was a sight to see.

Great first post, Cliff. Makes me wish that more people would jump in with
their observations. Herons are quite territorial about their feeding
sites. Any heron would interfere with the fishing of any other heron by
possibly scaring fish away, if not eating them. Look at them on a mudflat
some day and see how they are rather evenly spaced. An approach too close
usually results in a display and/or a fight and/or a chase. I think birds
of all ages do this. I don't think "playing at displaying" describes it as
well as just "displaying." Young birds benefit by being territorial, too.

Although "persnickety" is a wonderful word, it probably should be
restricted to people, who are usually the only animals that show the
characteristics of the definition: fussy, over-particular, aloof to the
point of snobbery, etc. I love it when a post on tweeters forces me to go
to the dictionary. And isn't it great to see birds actually doing
something!

Dennis Paulson, Director phone 206-756-3798
Slater Museum of Natural History fax 206-756-3352
University of Puget Sound e-mail dpaulson at ups.edu
Tacoma, WA 98416