On Tue, 12 Jun 2001, Irene Wanner wrote:
> At Seward, I saw at least four herons (three more than usual). Walkers
> who often go there: Have kids left a nest?

Given the apparently severe nesting success problems that Great Blue Herons are experiencing
of late, it would be worthwhile to attempt to use plumage characteristics to determine
if juveniles are showing up at this time of year. So many of the large colonies of the past
are now gone. One of many questions is the question of how herons will cope with the pressures
of an increasing Bald Eagle population and the depredation that has become so severe. Are
Great Blue Herons splitting off from large colonies and nesting solitarily to perhaps
escape detection by eagles? A single heron nest will be very difficult to find but detecting
the young birds after they have left the nest is something birders can do. This is a good time
of year to be looking for them. Locations where juveniles are seen at this time of year
could be really useful in understanding where herons are successfully breeding. They sure
don't appear to be pulling it off very well in the traditional places.


Kelly McAllister
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Olympia, Washington
Reply to: mcallkrm at dfw.wa.gov