I was savouring a crunchy plate of fish and chips while admiring the majestic trees around the area, when I saw a group of people gather in front of me with their sights on the nearby trees. I turned and saw that they were looking at a Great Blue Heron perched on the branches.
They are massive birds, and it is strange seeing them up on the trees moving about like rustling prehistoric creatures.
I don't know what it was up to. It didn't look like there were any nests up there. They live in colonies near this wooded area at the edge of the city, and you can see their great nests hanging together from the trees. It's one of the largest urban colonies in North America.
There are between 4,000 and 5,000 birds in this region. Herons are non-migratory and considered a species at risk, unfortunately, so it's good to create clean natural spaces in which they can thrive.
Images by 