Page 18 - OutdoorOK2024MayJune ONLINE

STEPHEN OFSTHUN H E R O N

noun [HERR] + [UHN]: any of various long-necked
and long-legged wading birds (family Ardeidae)
with a long tapering bill, large wings, and soft
plumage. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary.

Herons can be a great introduction to the world
of bird watching. As a group, Oklahoma’s four her-
ons are large enough to readily be seen and have
a distinctive body shape with a long neck and legs.
And the great blue heron, the largest of the wading
birds, can be found across Oklahoma year-round.
Bird watching can be a great reason to
explore Oklahoma and its natural places. In
addition to helping you disconnect from your
daily stresses — or reconnect with your wild
family and friends — your bird watching excur-
sions can also help biologists! When you share
your sightings of birds or other animals or
plants, you’re filling in gaps of knowledge and
Great blue heron. contributing to conservation!

S W I F T
ANDY REAGO & CHRISSY MCCLARREN CC BY 2.0. adjective [SWIFT]: moving or capable of moving

with great speed.

noun: 1 any of several lizards (especially of the
genus Sceloporus) that run swiftly, 3: any of
numerous small plainly colored birds (family
Apodidae) that are related to the humming-
birds but superficially much resemble swal-
lows. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary.

From chimney swifts to swift foxes, Oklahoma
has no shortage of speedy animals. But speed
isn’t the only adaptation of our state’s fish and
wildlife. Camouflage, migration, special forag-
ing behaviors, and mimicry are just a few ways
animals have found their niche!
Meet Oklahoma’s incredible wildlife species
each month in the free Wild Side e-newsletter! In
addition to species spotlights, each issue shares
updates on research and survey projects and
Chimney swift. ways to get involved in conservation.

16 OUTDOOR OKLAHOMA