Great info from our NWCC Faculty

Thanks to our NWCC Faculty contributor and heron supporter Reto for this post.

While we are waiting for the first egg to hatch, let's have a look at the bigger picture. Why are we astonished that there are 5 eggs, more than the BC average? Because this average was established from heron studies done only on the south coast! There's very little known about herons in the north.
Another interesting project is going on in BC right now that is set to improve that. The project, the BC Breeding Bird Atlas, is a volunteer effort to figure out the breeding range of birds in the province, runs for 5 years and started last year. It is both an excellent source of information - even as it contains less than a year worth of observations - and is inspiration to observe a bit more closely, and to add your data to the atlas. For example, a quick check for the Great Blue Heron at http://www.birdatlas.bc.ca/bcdata/maps.jsp shows that up to May 7, there were a grand total of 2 records for the Central and North Coast - the Rupert herons have been added since. If you want an updated list of all sightings, you can get them at
http://www.birdatlas.bc.ca/bcdata/datasummaries.jsp?lang=en where you will find that breeding is now confirmed for the North Coast (region 35). The code NE means nest with eggs, and it will hopefully soon be upgraded to NY - nest with young.
If you are aware of other nests or colonies, sign up and put them on the map! http://www.birdatlas.bc.ca/bcdata/register.jsp?lang=en Registering as a volunteer is easy, and when you receive your password after a few days, you will be able to add your sightings on-line. There's now an additional incentive to become a volunteer - you get access to the bird ID program Dendroica, sponsored by Environment Canada. Alternatively, contact us and we will get the information to the right place.