Great blue heron colony returns to Vancouver's Stanley Park
The great blue heron colony is settling back in at Stanley Park, preparing to welcome another generation of new chicks.
The Vancouver Park Board announced Monday that the birds are back and the cameras that allow nature enthusiasts to observe courting, mating, nesting, egg-laying and hatching have been reactivated.
"High above Park Lane, surrounding the tennis courts, the 64-strong heron colony has settled into its home for the 23rd consecutive year to raise the next generation," a media release form the board says.
"The Heron Cam provides the ultimate close-up view of this remarkable species as they go about their daily rituals."
People visiting the park to get an in-person glimpse of the colony are advised to stay outside of the fenced perimeter, avoid playing loud music in the vicinity, keep dogs on their leashes and refrain from flying drones, which are not allowed in any city parks without a permit. Anyone who sees a fallen or injured chick is urged to stay back and call 311.
In 2022, 90 heron chicks were hatched amid challenges that the park board says included severe weather and "persistent eagle raids." The colony is among the largest in North America.
In Canada, the species is federally protected and in B.C. they are classified as of "special concern," the park board's website points out, noting the total population nation-wide is fewer than 5,000.
"The population of these herons has declined steadily since the 1980s as a result of nesting failure, eagle attacks, human disturbance, and habitat loss," according to officials.
More information about the species and the work to support the colony in Stanley Park can be found online.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.