Melanistic Great Blue Heron The increased development of the dark-colored pigment melanin in the skin and hair of an animal is called Melanism, and is the opposite of Albinism. This great blue heron was found at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington, Ontario. We did a road trip and found it on the Grindstone Marsh Trail in Hendrie Valley. Ardea herodias Great Blue Herons can hunt day and night thanks to a high percentage of rod-type photoreceptors in their eyes that improve their night vision. source - Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
It’s with great sadness that we let you know Ric has passed away. His wife Anne and his 2 sons, Brian and Steve, were by his side. A memorial service is being arranged and once details are known, we’ll post an update. Thank you - Anne, Brian and Steve.
I believe this is a northern water snake but I could easily be wrong. It was headed away from shore towards the other side of the bay, a distance of about 3 km - 1.8 miles. Rondeau Provincial Park, June 21, 2023.
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Stan and Annick