Down the trail, one comes across a large sign informing visitors that one is entering Great Blue Heron territory. So, hikers are asked to be polite and co-exist with the mysterious neighbours.
Great Blue Herons are some of the largest herons in the world, but these ones that live along the coast are smaller than their continental counterparts (Bird, 2016).
I knew that they nested on trees, so as I hiked further down the trail, I kept my eyes on the canopy towering above me.
There!
I saw the silhouettes of the nests clinging to trees whose leaves had turned a yellow colour, many which had already fallen to the ground, exposing the large stick nests up on the branches. From February to August, Great Blue Herons will on average lay 2-4 eggs, once or twice per season (Bird, 2016).
Being so close to the tidal flats provides them with plenty of seafood fare. Using their long bill to jab at any unsuspecting creature that goes by as they patiently focus on the hunting ground.
How grand it seemed to see the nests up on that cathedral of trees. Great Blue Herons usually emit a loud barking squawk that sounds the way I imagine a pterodactyl would sound. It can be disconcerting when you least expect it.
Taking a smaller path off the trail and not far from the nests, I came across a bird blind, where one can observe birds without disturbing them. I imagined that the herons congregated on the tidal flats beyond, so this spot was ideal for keeping an eye on the feathery action.
I only saw one heron during the hike. He was doing his heron things somewhere up on the tree branches. I felt it odd that such a large bird was stirring up so high on those flimsy branches. I tried to capture photos, but unfortunately, with the light and foliage conditions, it was a lost cause. See if you can find it in the following image. Thank you for visiting.
The heron is on the branch near the center and slightly up. You may have to click and zoom in to see it better.
Resources
Pockets Birds of Canada by David M. Bird (ed)(2106)
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