Monarch of the Park

A great blue heron stands in the middle of some grass in Heron’s Head Park, surrounded by tall weeds and California poppies. Although herons are commonly found fishing by bodies of water, they are apex predators that can be highly opportunistic, hunting for gophers in grassy parks. Because of their impressive size, razor-sharp bill, and adept hunting skills, I think great blue herons are one of the birds that most resemble modern-day dinosaurs.