Based on 66,194 research-grade iNaturalist observations in California, Great Blue Heron is most often recorded in January; in California it behaves like a year-round resident. It ranks #6 among birds recorded in the state in our data.
Ardea herodias
Great Blue Heron in California by month
Bars show research-grade observations per month. They mix true seasonality with how often people are outdoors, so treat small numbers with caution.
Also seen in California in January
Red-tailed Hawk
White-crowned Sparrow
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Anna's Hummingbird
American Coot
Black Phoebe
Great Egret
Snowy Egret
Places to look in California
Botanical GardenThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
State ParkHearst Castle
Botanical GardenSan Francisco Botanical Garden
State ParkAnza-Borrego Desert State Park
National ForestAngeles National Forest
National ForestSequoia National Forest
FAQ
When does Great Blue Heron appear in California?
Mainly December–November, with the most records in January.
How common is Great Blue Heron in California?
It ranks #6 by number of iNaturalist observations among birds in California (66,194 records in our sample).