31 March 2013
I have noted whilst the leaves have yet to unfold a great many large nests along the Mission Greenway in Kelowna, a nature and recreation corridor of predominantly older limby cottonwoods dedicated to conserving nature and its enjoyment by the City of Kelowna.
A number of these are Great blue heron nests, at least 24, albeit not all active. There is a nest visible from the Catholic church parking lot which is occupied. We are delighted by this nest because it is visible when we assemble for birding.
Then there is the colony further upstream which has 23 nests in it. A sample of these is shown in this photo.
A few shots from this colony. A lone adult occupying her nest preparing to lay eggs.
The primitive almost Pteradactyl look of these ancient clade dinosaurian theropod creatures.
Lastly a fabulous closer view of this marvel of evolution.
Because cottonwood grows on highly arable lands it is sought after by farmers and orchardists and developers and so is endangered, particularly in the Okanagan where I live. But with wisdom, foresight and community support, we can protect these habitats into the future. In France in Burgundy, a relative of our Great blue heron lives amicably side by side with humans and have done so for millennia because riparian areas are conserved by folks who love their wildlife and provide habitat for these wonderful creatures.
A spin off is that herons eat an enormous number of mice in winter time and thus help save crops and reduce disease risks and they are so very beautiful to look at and so easy and enjoyable to photograph. I have found if you wear a black and white horizontally striped toque, they will approach you when feeling amorous.
There is or was a heron colony in downtown Vernon but I am not sure it is faring very well at this time. I got this pic when it was thriving. I fear it has fallen victim to age and lack of replacement trees. Folks who care have been planting trees for the future so the colony can have a home when this site is finished. http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/news/175019191.html
Copyright 2013 Jorma Jyrkkanen. All rights reserved.
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