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GREAT BLUE HERON

© Mary M. Alward

Not far from my house is a waterfront area complete with canal and hiking trail. In summer months, a Great Blue Heron makes this area its' home. What an amazing sight to see this magnificent bird take flight when my dog, Meeko, and I take our walk about 6am.

With spring just around the corner, the other day I began to wonder if this majestic bird would return to the area again this year. The thought inspired me to do some research on the Great Blue Heron.

One thing I found out was it's strange to see a single Great Blue Heron. The species usually nest in colonies in a wooded area that is close to their feeding grounds. They try to nest and feed in areas that are not accessible to land predators and humans.

Great Blue Herons usually nest in tree tops. Colonies are made up of several different species. Lower branches are left for the use of the Black-crowned Heron and the Double-crested Cormorant.

New Great Blue Heron nests resemble delicate platforms of dry branches that have been interlaced. Older nests are usually bulky and vary in size. They measure approximately 1 metre (40 inches) in diameter. The central cavity is about 10 centimetres deep and the radius about 15 centimetres. The interior cavity is lined with moss, twigs, lichens and/or evergreen needles.

Males and females usually reach the nesting grounds at the same time. Males often take up residence in nests of former years. The male defends this territory and either builds a new nest or repairs one from previous years. When the females approach, he puts on a grand show and calls loudly to attract her attention. Birds mate immediately after arrival and choose a new mate each year.

Mating begins when birds are two years old. The mating ritual takes place in the nest or on a tree branch. As soon as the ritual is over, the male gathers materials for nest building and the female works the materials into hte nest. In Canada, femal herons lay three to five eggs in April. Incubation is shared by both birds, with the female taking the night shift. The eggs hatch in about 28 days. The brooding period is about one week, however, one adult stays at the nest for a further two weeks. Through the day, the male watches the nest while the female hunts for food. At night the roles are reversed. Adults birds regurgitate food for their young. The strongest chicks grab most of the food from the adult's bill. Only the strongest survive.

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