The Blue Heron

One of the more interesting birds to watch on the west coast is the heron. Most often these birds are standing in shallow water use their stealth ability and quick action to catch fish. I was surprised when I found that they nested high in the trees. Their nests are enormous and they frequently nest with other heron. Eagles often attack their nests to feed on their young. They seem helpless to prevent this from happening. There is a large heron nesting area in Beacon Hill Park and last year an eagle almost single-handed wiped out the young. They are beautiful birds. A great place to watch them feed is in Esquimalt Lagoon, especially on a low tide. Fort Rodd Hill a National Historic Site is on this Lagoon.