The heron colony has returned to Commodore Park, with around 30 herons so far readying for the annual nesting season.
Every year, the heron colony builds nests high up in the trees just above the Ballard Locks. There are usually around 50-60 nests by the end of the mating season, with chicks hatching in the spring months.
Heron Habitat Helpers (HHH) said the herons are currently in the “lively staging, dating, and mating phase,” adding that it’s a great time watch as pairs “court, refurbish old nests, and start building new ones.”
In a message to the community, HHH said the trees are still bare, making it easy to observe the herons as they nest.
HHH is also accepting volunteers to monitor the nests; contact them at volunteer@heronhelpers.org to learn more.
All photos by Elston Hill