On July 4, we went to the end of the road to observe the herons and saw a young heron walking along a log on the forest floor. Our assumption was this it had fallen or been pushed out of the nest, possibly when attempting to fly.
The bird was 2/3 the size of an adult bird, had a yellow beak but nondescript plumage. We left it to wander the forest since none of us were capable of climbing up to the nest to put it back.
There are still no further signs of construction at the site.
Mission Statement
The Oly Friends of Herons web site was created to provide information relating to the Great Blue Herons that nest in the vicinity of the west side Olympia Food Co-op. The nests are located in an area slated for development; 6 townhomes are going to be built 3 blocks northeast of the Co-op.
If anyone is reading this, please leave a comment so I'll know you're out there.
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists recomend that this web site not reveal the exact location of nests. The presence of people can disrupt breeding activity. Nests can be observed with binoculars or spotting scopes from the road. The link to Black River Herons also provides information about how herons are observed there without disruption.
On this site, I hope to answer questions such as: What are the developer's responsibilities re: the rookery? What parameters do great blues use for selecting nesting sites? Will trees that meet these parameters be left in the two tree lots that the development will have? What does the developer think about the herons?
If anyone is reading this, please leave a comment so I'll know you're out there.
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists recomend that this web site not reveal the exact location of nests. The presence of people can disrupt breeding activity. Nests can be observed with binoculars or spotting scopes from the road. The link to Black River Herons also provides information about how herons are observed there without disruption.
On this site, I hope to answer questions such as: What are the developer's responsibilities re: the rookery? What parameters do great blues use for selecting nesting sites? Will trees that meet these parameters be left in the two tree lots that the development will have? What does the developer think about the herons?
Thurston County Rookeries
Click for a map.
Site Plan for Townhomes
Click to see the plan.
Area to be Developed
Click for Geodata map
Heron Links
Olympia Links
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- what the young look like now (1)
- wishful thinking. (1)
1 comment:
As neighbors, we have been listening to the sounds coming from the nesting area all summer. We have watched the herons flying to and from the nesting area - it is a spectacular sight and sound to witness! Our hope would be that the area be preserved and there not be any development. Not really sure how my family can help but perhaps with the current economic situation, time is on our side.
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