Shikepoke is another name used for Green Heron. The first time I ever heard this term was when my uncle referred to one trying to steal fish from him. I had no idea what he was talking about at the time!
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Shikepoke is another name used for Green Heron. The first time I ever heard this term was when my uncle referred to one trying to steal fish from him. I had no idea what he was talking about at the time!
I had never heard of “shikepoke”, but I have heard of “shypoke” used to refer to pretty much any type of heron, but specifically the green heron. I’m sure both words come from the same background but evolved in various regions.
Birding is Fun! – I have found several variations of the spelling and pronunciation of this odd term. “Shypoke” seems to make more sense to refer to the secretive stalking of herons and that the “poke” or stab at prey.
I have never heard the term “Shypoke”, interesting! It sounds a little cuter than “Shikepoke” when you say it out loud. 🙂
I was at my Dad’s house this weekend and he lives on a small lake. As we were leaving his house a heron flew by the front of the vehicle. He said, “There is a shikepoke!” My dad is a healthy, active 94 year old. He will 95 in October. Needless to say, this was the first time I had ever heard the word. Much to my surprise when I searched it today and found you. So this term will continue on and I cannot wait to have the opportunity to use it again. It is a fun word!
That is awesome! I am glad the word is continuing on.
We always called the smaller herons “shydepokes” and I don’t know how its spelled.
My Mom and Dad used “shikepoke” in referring to a tall thin boy. I am 77 and some meanings change.
http://www.10000birds.com/how-do-you-spell-shitepoke.htm