On the Mississippi River, when I was doing gigs there it was said by some that blue herons are in fact reincarnated steamboat captains. They fly in front of the boats to guide 'em to the deep water and away from the snags, sawyers and shallows

I don't know the statistics of boats going aground on the Mississippi River but as herons are birds that nest in trees and feed in the shallows, following them in the mistaken belief that they will lead you to the deep water, may account for any occurences?

It is far more likely that captains steer away, when hearing herons farting, out of the mist and coming from the shallows. This acting like a lighthouse's audible warning.

More probably that herons are reincarnated flatulent lighthouse keepers and coastguards...............

What do you feed your herons on, over there?