Great blue heron chicks huddle together in their nest in Delray Beach, Florida. The juveniles usually fledge about 10 weeks after hatching, remaining dependent on their parents for food and protection for several weeks beyond that, Photo: Ronen Tivony
My recent photographs of Great Blue Heron chicks was featured in The Guardian’s prestigious “Week in Wildlife” gallery on February 13, 2026.
Capturing wildlife moments in my home state of Florida is always a rewarding experience, but seeing these juveniles recognized on a global platform is truly a highlight. Florida’s wetlands are world-renowned for bird photography, and Delray Beach offers some of the most intimate glimpses into the lives of our avian neighbors.
Link: The Guardian’s “Week in Wildlife” February 13, 2026.
The Science of the Nest: Great Blue Heron Breeding Biology
For those of you who follow my work, you know I’m a bit of a bird nerd. There’s a fascinating biological marathon behind this single frame that most people don’t see.
Incubation and Hatching Great Blue Herons are incredibly dedicated parents. After an incubation period of approximately 28 days, the real work begins. Usually, the parents take turns sitting on the eggs to maintain a consistent temperature, a process that requires seamless coordination.
The Fledging Timeline As featured in The Guardian, these chicks spend roughly 10 weeks in the nest before they are ready to take their first flight, known as fledging. During this stage, you’ll often see them “wing-stretching” or jumping between branches.
Post-Fledging Dependence However, “fledging” doesn’t mean moving out. Even after they leave the nest, these juvenile herons remain dependent on their parents for several weeks. During this time, they’re essentially in “heron flight school,” learning the precision needed for the lightning-fast strike required to catch fish and amphibians in the Florida wetlands ecosystem.
About Ronen Tivony & Wildlife with Ronen, LLC
My journey in photography actually began over 32 years ago. Before focusing on the beauty of the natural world, I spent decades as a professional wire photojournalist covering everything from breaking news to politics.
In 2020, I was honored to be awarded a Fellowship by the Royal Photographic Society (FRPS), a distinction that reflects my commitment to the art and craft of visual storytelling. Today, I combine that technical expertise with my training as a Certified Florida Master Naturalist through the University of Florida.
Why I Founded Wildlife with Ronen, LLC
My mission is simple: to help other photographers move beyond the “snapshot” and start capturing magazine-quality images that tell a story. Through Wildlife with Ronen, LLC, I lead private wildlife photo tours and hands-on workshops across Florida’s most iconic habitats, from the Everglades to the Orlando Wetlands.
Whether you’re a beginner learning your camera settings or a seasoned pro looking for the “Naturalist’s Edge,” my goal is to teach you not just how to use your gear, but how to anticipate animal behavior to get the perfect shot.