Mavimet's Weblog

Obviously these birds are not friends – but they do have an interesting relationship that I was not aware of when I arrived here last summer.

Back in Manitoba where I spent most of my life, I would see Bald Eagles on a regular basis, but very seldom saw Great Blue Herons. I would always look for the herons when I was in Riding Mountain National Park and sometimes I would see one – usually flying away.

If you are ever lucky enough to find a breeding colony of Great Blue Herons – please keep your distance so they are not disturbed. (my camera has a LOT of zoom – (2,000mm or 83 x zoom). If the nesting birds are disturbed, the parents may fly away and leave their babies unattended which could result in birds of prey descending on the nests and the babies would be killed.

The relationship between the Herons and the Eagle is very interesting. The Great Blue Herons nest in colonies and generally they like to nest near a Bald Eagle nest. Although the Bald Eagle will certainly raid the Herons’ nests, they will also prevent other eagles & hawks from doing the same. Eagles defend their territory and when the herons are within their territory, they also defend the herons.

Unfortunately, last fall, the tree where the Bald Eagles nested, fell. The eagles are still in the area, but I have not seen their new nest site and I seldom see them perched near the heron nests. Although I have seen several heron chicks, I have no idea how many have been lost to hawks & eagles.

The Great Blue Heron Reserve closes all the trails that go close to the nesting area. The photos I took are from across a lake.

Today, I did not see any eagles, but here are some of the photos I took.

A Little Bunny and a Spotted Towhee