Great blue herons (Ardea herodias) are tall, majestic wading birds that are pretty common around water in Florida. They feed mainly on fish, and tend to be slow, patient hunters. Some of them will stand almost totally still for many minutes waiting for fish to swim near them. Some of the other wading birds, like reddish egrets and tricolored herons, are very active hunters, racing around stalking their prey. Those birds are very entertaining, but they definitely lack the great blue heron’s dignity and patience. When great blue herons are done hunting they also tend to be peaceful and will often spend long periods perched but alert, just watching the world go by. There is something to be said for a stately and dignified attitude once in a while.