Botanical Glossary - Home

Blue Heron nesting season starts in Stanley Park. There are over 90 nests within five large deciduous trees near the Vancouver Parks Board Offices at Park Lane and Beach Avenue. I observed them for some time, watching interestingly while the large blue-gray birds perched proudly in front or on top of their nesting places while relieving each other to go away for food. Other mated pairs slowly worked moving sticks around, weaving them into strong nests that the wind will have trouble to knock over.

Herons like to wade out into the shallow waters of fresh water or salt water to fish - the long pincer-like beak captures fish like chopsticks on sushi.
The long spear-like beak blue-gray color, long yellowish legs and long neck distinguishes this bird. In flight, the Blue Heron folds its neck, holding the head close to body to make it more stream lined. The head is white and black.