Great blue herons common company for anglers in North Central Ohio

Of the many anglers stalking the waters of North Central Ohio for a fishy meal, few are as majestic as the great blue heron.

The birds stand nearly five feet tall and have a wingspan of more than six feet, according to the American Bird Conservancy. They are the largest of North America's herons.

The birds are common company for anglers throughout the Buckeye State.

Great blues can be found in North Central Ohio every month of the year, explained Joshua Dyer, director of the Crawford Park District. They are known as being "short-distance migrants."

"They reside around here year-round," Dyer said. "If our winters remain mild, there's no need for them to go anywhere."

A great blue heron would only leave North Central Ohio if its favorite stream, pond, lake or marsh had frozen over. In that case, they would fly south until they discovered a new wintertime fishing hole.

Or, they would stay home and forgo their favorite meal for one that wasn't frozen over.

"They aren't strictly fish eaters, but that's where we typically see them," Dyer said. "They will also go after small mammals and amphibians."

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This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Great blue herons common company for anglers in North Central Ohio