Great Blue Heron

The great blue heron is a large wading bird with a blue-gray body, long legs, and a long, S-shaped neck. Adults have a white face and a black stripe above the eye. They typically stand around 4 feet tall with a wingspan of up to 6 feet.

While not an infestation in the traditional sense, excessive heron presence near ponds or shorelines can indicate an overpopulation of fish or amphibians, potentially impacting the local ecosystem near your Myrtle Beach property. You might observe increased fish predation or disturbed landscaping around water features.

As a protected species, direct harm to great blue herons is illegal. MBPC focuses on humane and preventative measures, such as habitat modification and exclusion techniques, adhering to SC Department of Pesticide Regulation guidelines and best practices for wildlife management in the Grand Strand area.

If herons are impacting a private pond or water feature, consider installing netting or other physical barriers to deter wading. Remove or reduce artificial feeding sources that may attract them. Consult with MBPC for environmentally conscious strategies to manage heron activity around your Myrtle Beach property.

Great blue herons are commonly found in coastal areas, including salt marshes, tidal creeks, and ponds throughout Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand. The humid subtropical climate and abundance of fish, frogs, and crustaceans provide ideal foraging grounds for these birds. They often nest in colonies near water.

Peak activity: Year-Round