TIMES RECORD • September 24, 2020
Herons are also rather amazing in their adaptability. Fresh water or salt, marsh or river, mangrove or swamp, they are able to live in quite a variety of habitats. Probably because they are often found solo, they seem somehow to be wise. That may have something to do with their life span as well. On average, herons live about 15 years, but have been known to live as long as 23 years – a truly wise adult by then, to be sure. Whatever the case, as summer winds down and things along the coast begin to shift, the slow, steady beat of a Great Blue Heron’s wings is comforting and a good reminder of the importance of adaptability and perseverance amidst a changing horizon. ~ Susan Olcott