Great blue heron pair I've been watching the Great Blue Herons raise their children at the Avalonia Land Conservancy's Donald Henne preserve, and this young bird, on the right, appears to be the farthest along of the kids among the three nests. I don't know if it's taken its maiden flight yet, but it seems to be ready. And its parent looks like it's giving the youngster abundant encouragement. All you need to do is flap those wings, just like I showed you... just flap... and...