The Great Blue Heron

Herons in a tree Photo by Ward Perrin, The Vancouver Sun

Herons in a tree
Photo by Ward Perrin, The Vancouver Sun

A young heron looks for food. Photo by Lez Bazso, The Province

A young heron looks for food.
Photo by Lez Bazso, The Province

Adapted from the B.C. Ministry of Environment and The Province

Illustrations by Nola Johnston

Level 2
May 2011

In BC, people can see Great Blue Herons all year.
Herons live on the coast.
They also live in the southern part of B.C.
The heron is a large bird:

  • It is taller than many 8-year-old children.
  • It weighs about the same as a small newborn baby.

Over 5,000 herons live in B.C.
The B.C. government protects these birds.
It also protects their nests and their eggs.
More than 100 heron nests are in Stanley Park in Vancouver.
There is also a heron park in Chilliwack.

Read the PDF. Try the Exercise.

Heron calendar

1. In April and May, herons lay eggs.

1. In April and May, herons lay eggs.

Illustration3

2. In June, parents take care of the chicks.

3. In July, young herons practice flying.

3. In July, young herons practice flying.