Stanley Park welcomes first Pacific Great Blue Heron chicks of season
Posted May 14, 2022 9:51 pm.
The first Pacific Great Blue Heron chicks of the year have started to appear amongst the trees of Stanley Park in Vancouver.
Thirteen newly hatched chicks have been identified by the Stanley Park Ecology Society, nested in the colony between Park Lane and the Stanley Park tennis courts.
“This has been a difficult year for the colony with nesting season beginning later than expected—most likely due to the extreme winter weather—and reported eagle raids occurring throughout spring,” a City of Vancouver statement reads.
“Despite these challenges, several eggs have survived and viewers have been treated to the sight of the chicks’ spiky grey mohawks and swaying necks poking from the top of the nests in the last few days.”
People are told to observe herons from outside fenced areas, not to make loud noises nearby, and to keep any dogs on their leash.
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Pacific Great Blue Herons were first documented in Stanley Park in 1921, and have used their current nesting spot since 2001.
You can witness the chicks on the Stanley Park Heron Cam.
Be aware that if you find a fallen chick, it may or may not need attention; young herons on the ground near a heronry is normal. If a chick is obviously injured, notify the Wildlife Rescue Association, open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 604-526-7275 or the Burrard Animal Hospital and Emergency (after hours) at 604-738-5683.
