HERONS

by Frank Staub ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 13, 1997

Herons are the long-legged, needle-beaked birds that vigilantly comb marshlands for food. Ranging in color from blue to gray to white, these birds were almost hunted to extinction at the turn of the century for their magnificent plumes (used in women's millinery). Thanks to wildlife protection laws, herons are once again common in the US. This entry in the Early Bird Nature series explores, in a simple format, some of the lesser-known facts about herons and their habits. For example, while herons are found near water, they avoid getting their feathers wet, which would make them unable to fly. Helping them stay dry is powder down--a down that traps water and dirt and turns into powder when the bird preens. This kind of intriguing fact makes for good reading, but there isn't enough information about the birds' precarious-looking twig nests, their feeding and flying habits, or their mating rituals. A note for adults that includes hints for using the book seems self-evident.

Pub Date: June 13, 1997

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 48

Publisher: Lerner

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 1997

Categories: CHILDREN'S