Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) are found throughout the Okanogan Highlands, and are widespread throughout the Pacific Northwest, from the coast to the interior. Although much of the year you will find herons standing alone and stock still (like Hank!), often at water’s edge (likely hunting for small aquatic prey such as fish, frogs, and crayfish), in the springtime they gather in nesting colonies. Nests are built in the tops of mature trees, and herons often compete for this habitat with Double-crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) in our area.
Historically, Triple Creek in Chesaw hosted one of these nesting colonies, and as this wetland ecosystem heals, there is hope that great blue herons will return, and we will once again hear their ancient voices croaking from the treetops.
To learn more about Great Blue Herons, look for them on these great websites: Cornell Lab of Ornithology or the Audubon Society.