Is anyone tracking the overall effect eagles have on Great Blue Heron nesting in the Puget Sound area? Once again, eagles have killed every known heron chick on Vashon and Maury Islands as they have for at least the last 6-7 years. First they destroyed every heronry about a decade ago. Then as the herons responded by hiding out in single or at most two to three nest groupings, the eagles have eventually found pretty much every nest. I believe a couple of nests are likely making it through here and there but all of the known ones have been attacked.

I know other heronries have been hit in the Puget Sound area but has it been as complete a shut down as on Vashon? Are some heronries farther away from marine shorelines being left alone or are there other factors that cause some areas to be hit more heavily by the eagles than others?

Ed Swan
Vashon Island
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