Nature Photographers Network
This is the preserved archive of the original Nature Photographers Network. The community continues at naturephotographers.network.
Forums · Bird Photography

GBH behavior

Discussion

1 replies
Posted by bill meikle on November 22, 2009 at 3:06 PM
GBH behavior
This morning while filming a great blue heron it suddenly pointed its head straight upwards and kept it there, I wondered what this behavior was all about and then I noticed that another GBH had landed in the stream about 25 yards away and it also was pointing its head up. So it must have been some kind of welcome/threat/indication of the other's presence I suppose. I have never seen this before, anyone have any explanation? When the second GBH left the first returned to normal hunting behavior.
My Kaufmann book says it might be male mating display.
Posted by Jim DeWitt on November 22, 2009 at 4:55 PM
"Skypointing" or "Stretch" displays are territorial behaviors also linked to courtship. I got interested in it after seeing it in Florida in 2008, and read some of the extensive research. It turns out GBH's have a amazingly wide display of courtship and communicative displays, not all of them well understood. Outside of breeding season, based upon what BNA says this means "I'm here. This area's mine. I'm big and tough. Get lost."