Heron Habitat Helpers

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May 14, 2022 – 11am – 1:00pm Heron Chick Birthday Celebration!!

May 8, 2022 By Marla Master

Heron chicks have hatched! And we are so excited to finally be hosting events again.

Join us Saturday, May 14 from 11am – 1pm at Commodore Park.

We’ll have our scopes set up, educational displays, and of course, our naturalists on hand to answer questions.

This year, the colony is boasting over 75 nests – many already with chicks. There is a lot of activity and we’re excited to welcome you to celebrate with us.

• See the herons through telescopes
• Learn from our naturalists and exhibits

FREE – EVERYONE WELCOME!

Commodore Park
3330 W Commodore Way, Seattle, WA 98107
Adjacent the Ballard Locks on the Magnolia side.
Look for the trees between the fish ladder and the train bridge!

Filed Under: BLOG, Colonies, Events, Herons

Colony Updates

March 26, 2020 By Marla Master

LATEST COLONY PHOTOS & NEWS

Week of June 6, 2020 – Lots of action at the Commodore Park colony. Last Sunday, we were notified by Joshua Lee that a bald eagle landed in the colony and took two chicks from one nest. On Tuesday, we were notified by Chuck Rinehart that a chick had fallen and was uninjured. HHH board member Linda Marsh was able to capture the chick and bring it to PAWS where we hope it can be rehabilitated and released once it can fly on its own. In Linda’s words: “It’s young, legs still a little puffy and not many feathers, standing with its head tucked in under a bush near the west picnic table, and was soaked through. I just dropped a towel over it, picked it up, and put it in a box. No apparent injuries, and it flapped, screamed, and tried to bite me, so I’d guess good prospects”. And Thursday, we were sadly notified by Celeste Botha that there was a dead chick on the ground. Thank you citizen scientists! Your observations really do help us monitor the colony. These situations are all part of life and the colony overall is doing extremely well this season boasting 58 active nests.

 


Photo Joshua Lee

Photo Kathleen Atkins

 

 

 

As of March 25, 2020 – the Commodore Park Great Blue Heron Colony is currently thriving as approximately 80 herons court, mate, build, and rebuild in 50 + nests. There is a lot of courting by cooing, stretching their necks, showing off their plumage, and bill dueling – a courtship ritual. Some herons have taken over last years nests and are refurbishing, while others are starting from scratch. We have been fortunate to witness, in amazement, the challenge of balancing the first twig in the fork of a tree with just a beak. If you observe herons lying down in the nest, that means they’re incubating eggs. Both male and female herons will incubate eggs, taking turns so they can go out a feed. Chicks will begin hatching mid-to-late April.

As the season progresses we’ll be updating here as well as at https://www.facebook.com/HeronHabitatHelpers.

Here are a few images by Beth Shepherd Photography that capture the courting phase.

Thank you to the photographers that have been sharing their photos with us! Email us at info@heronhelpers.org with photos.

 

Filed Under: Colonies, Heron Nests Tagged With: great blue heron, Heron Habitat Helpers, heron nests, herons, nesting birds, Seattle

The 2020 season begins!

February 28, 2020 By Marla Master

The herons have returned to the colony for nesting season! It’s a great time to observe as they pair up and work on their nests. A few pairs have mated already and in approximately 28 days the first eggs will hatch! We hope you visit the colony to observe these fascinating birds. Stay tuned for pop up viewing events when we have telescopes set up and naturalists on hand. Follow us here or on facebook or twitter for the latest news. And if you want to volunteer – in any capacity – don’t be shy!

Filed Under: Colonies, Herons, Membership

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Membership

By becomming a Member and supporting HHH, you are directly contributing to conservation initiatives, habitat restoration efforts, and educational programs. Join now!

Volunteer

There are many ways to get involved with HHH! Please email us for a list of current opportunities. 
volunteer@heronhelpers.org

Contact Us

Heron Habitat Helpers
4574 36th Avenue West
Seattle, WA  98199-1146
info@heronhelpers.org

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