Rushmere Country Park About Map Facilities Find us Walks and trails Educational Visits News Events Bookings Support Heron Watch 2022 - Images supplied by Alan Jackson, Greensand Trust Volunteer 2022 Season First adults were seen at the end of January. Others started arriving early February, with first pairs formed. First copulation noted 3rd Feb. Now that the herons are using trees on the far side of the lake as well as the usual group it is far more difficult to count nests and know how many chicks hatched and fledged. The location of some nests only became apparent after hatching when feeding flights commenced. There was a slight pause in nests being occupied due to the several severe storms during February. Those already incubating stayed put but others departing for a couple of weeks. By 1st March definitely 10 nests (minimum) with early eggs beginning to hatch. First hatching on camera (Nest 2) weekend of 12/13th March - 4 chicks which reduced to 2 which fledged. Nest 7 involved a pair which copulated numerous times but no eggs were laid and pair eventually departed. A new pair occupied Nest 7A (newly built) and started a clutch late March, later deserted after one chick hatched (chicks and adults disappeared - predation of chick?). Breeding season extended longer than usual Feb-March laying period, with new clutches started in April and May with a new pair taking over Nest 7A and hatching two chicks late May. Even now, in mid June, we are being made aware of new nests in trees to right of Deck (chicks heard 21st June) which is very late. Last year we had a nest in June/July in this area. Chicks were very reluctant to fledge, staying in nest well beyond the usual 6 weeks. Very difficult to say how many fledged, best estimate 16+ from 16+ nests 21st June 2022 Hot and sunny Nest 7A - still 2 chicks. Attending adult sometimes moving to Nest 8 (to avoid being bothered?) Another probable nest (20) has been spotted in trees to rear of Decking. One adult can be seen standing and occasional sounds of chicks calling but difficult to pinpoint. Nest 19 - adult standing. Chicks have probably started hatching but too small to be seen. 16th June 2022 Hot, sunny, broken cloud. Nest 7A - chicks seem well but one is growing faster than the other. My observations from 15th June appear to be incorrect. There are 2 birds on Nest 19, one of which stays on nest while the other robs sticks from Nests 4 & 6. It is not, as I thought, landing near to Nest 19 but on its edge handing sticks to bird in nest which seems to be very skilful in nest building. Today it was constant back and forwards for about 2 hours. 15th June 2022 Chicks in 7A progressing well 1 adult sat on new Nest (19?) 1 adult taking sticks from Nest 4 & 6, thought to be taking them to new nest but managed to see it land twice on tree to left of new nest. New sticks were not offered to Nest 19 but appear to be used as another new nest, cannot be sure as view obstructed by foliage. 10th June 2022 Warm, sunny withsome cloud Nest 7A - adult standing alongside 2 chicks, now 2 weeks old 12.45 - adult flew into teh area around Nest 6, remained there for 2/3 minutes and then flew across to Nest 19. The same or another adult was gathering twigs and taking them up into the pine tressa slightly further over from Nest 19. It them flew into Nest 1 and then across to Nest 3 where it collecte dtwigs and tooke them across to Nest 19 adjacent area. 13.00 - 2 adults flew from Nest 6, one landed on Nest 7 the other flew south 14.50 - adult from Nest 7A flew down to fallen tree in the lake, leaving the chicks unattended. Shortly after a second adult arrived and stood adjacent to Nest 7A but made no attempt to feed the chicks. this remained the position at 15.00 7th June 2022 Sunny and warm Nest 7A - parent on nest with 2 visible chicks Best far left of Deck - 1 heron sitting 31st May 2022 Intermittant rain. Lake active but nests quiet. Nest 7A - chicks head visible 26th May 2022 Bright sunny with a cool breeze Nest 7A appears to be the only operational nest. Sitting adult standing from time to time enabled sight offirst new chick. A total of 7 fledglings were seen around the lake, moving around from one side to the other during the course of the day. During the day 1 fledgling returned to Nest 6 for a short time and 1 returned to Nest 8 for a short time. An adult sat on the fallen silver birch (in the lake) from 11.00 to 15.00 (might be longer) and did not do anything. No attempt to feed any of the fledglings around it. 25th May 2022 Nest 3 - 1 chick returned Nest 4 - 1 chick returned Nest 5 - 1 chick returned Nest 5A - 2 chicks Nest 6 - 1 chick Nest 7A - still sitting Nest 8 - 2 chicks Nest 9 - Has been visited Nest 19 - Adult nest building One chick at bottom of pine trees under Nests 5 & 6 1pm - Nest 2, 1 chick being fed by adult 1.40pm - Nest 5A, 2 chicks being fed by adult 2.30pm - Nest 7A, Adult change over 24th May 2022 Spasmodic sunshine Nest quiet, little activity 20th May 2022 Rain until 13.00,then sun and cloud Nest 2- Chicks still staying at home. Parent bird returned approx 12.15 and disgorged a whole large fish. chicks fought over it and one got the bulk. Nest 3 - 1 standing chick, but flew to Nest 6 when returning adult brough food back. Nest 4 - Empty Nest 5 - Empty Nest 5A - 1 standing chick Nest 6 - 1 standing chick and going on walk about below nest 18th May 2022 Sunny and hot Nest 3 - 1 chick standing Nest 5A - 2 chicks standing Nest 6 - 1 chick lying Nest 7A - 1 adult sitting Nest 8 - 2 chicks standing Nest 19 - 1 adult 17th May 2022 Sunny More chicks have become fledglings at last Chicks/fledgings still in Nests 2,3,4,6 & 8 Nest 7A - still incubating Nest 19 - Last week nest being constructed, this week adult incubating Nests 17 & 18 - Apparently empty so believe have fledged Several fledglings around the side of the lake, plus an occasional adult 12.55 - Nest 6, adult returned to feed the 2 fledglings Some fledglings doing wing flapping and short flights from time to time 13.50 - Nest 6, second adult returned to feed fledglings 14.00 - Nest 7A, changover plus some stick bringing 14.07 - Nest 9, adult dropped in amd appeared to be picking over the nest, grabbed a stick and took it back to Nest 7A then went to Nest 12 and did the same 15.15 - Nest 6, yet another feed. Oldest fledgling had to rush back to nest 10th May 2022 Overcast, some heavy rain Nest 2 - 2 chicks, one has made a first flight. Fed at 11am Nest 3 - 1 chick wing flapping, 2nd chick appears to have fledged Nest 4 - 1 chick left, wing flapping Nest 5 - still 2 large chicks Nest 5A - still 2 large chicks Nest 6 - 2 chicks. 1 spending most of the time perched on very top of tree, the other clambering around in and out of nest Nest 7A - still incubating Nest 8 - 2 chicks. Fed at 12.45 Nest 9 - no activity, chicks fledged? Nest 10 - adult returned 1.15pm but no chicks in nest or fledglings flying back. After 10 minutes adult flew off Nest 12 - no activity Nest 13 - no activity seen Nest 14 - no activity seen Nest 15 - nest appears to be empty, presume chicks have fledged Nest 16 - no activity, not sureif still active Nest 17 - newly discovered Nest 18 - newly discovered Nest 19 - 2 adults noisily engaged inconstructing new nest. Can be glimpsed from usual scope position or from far right end of decking At least 2 fledglings down at lakeside mid morning 2pm - Nest 6 - adult returned to feed chicks Fledgling from Nest 8 flew onto very top of hemlock 2 fledgings back in Nest 15 Adult stole twig from unused nest to take back to Nest 9 which had appeared empty Another fledging appeared on top of tree to right of that containing Nests 10, 13 & 14 May 4th 2022 Overcast Nest 2 - 2 chicks standing Nest 3 - 1 chick standing on nest, 1 nearby Nest 4 - 1 chick standing Nest 5 - 2 chicks standing Nest 6 - 2 chicks standing. Adult feeding 11.45 Nest 7 - 1 adult standing Nest 7A - 1 adult sitting Nest 8 - 2 chicks Nest 9 - 2 adults and chick Nest 10 - vacant Nest 12 - 1 chick standing and adult Nest 14 - 1 chick 3rd May 2022 Overcast Nest 2 - 2 chicks still not fledged Nest 3 - 2 chicks. Fed at 11.20 Nest 4 - 1 chick. 2 chicks last week Nest 5 - 2 chicks Nest 5A - 2 large chicks Nest 6 - 2 chicks, now clambering out of nest but not yet fledged Nest 7 - vacant Nest 7A - having been deserted several weeks ago, this morning occupied by an incubating bird Another adult investigating the old nest below 7A Nest 8 - 2 chicks Nest 9 - adult standing above nest Nest 10 - no activity seen Nest 11 - vacant Nest 12 - adult standing above nest Nest 13 & 14 - no activity seen Nest 15 - 2 chicks, wing flapping Nest 16 - no activity seen 12.10 - an adult heron having gained some height prceeded to engage in acrobatics, swooping down and then up again - display flight? Wing flapping occasionally observed by chicks in Nest 2,3,4 & 5A 13.10 - Nest 5A, chicks fed, continued calling for sometime as adult was perched not far away but in view 13.30 - Nests 9 & 12, both standing adults moved into nests to feed chicks. Nest 2, both chicks exploring outside the nest 14.15 - Nest 4, chick fed, definately only 1 chick now 14.20 - Nest 5, chicks fed, younger chick trying to get its share from older chick 14.22 - Nest 8, chicks fed 14.32 - Nest 15, wing flapping observed by 2 chicks 26th April 2022 Sunny, occasional cool breeze Nest 2 - still 2 well grown chicks, now 6 weeks old, should be actively wing exercising and taking their first flight Nest 3 - 2 chicks, should have taken their first flight by now (they are older than Nest 2) Nest 4 - 2 chicks, should have taken their first flight by now (they are older than Nest 2) Nest 5 - 2 chicks Nest 5A - 2 chicks minimum Nest 6 - 2 chicks, 7 weeks old, why haven't they taken their first flight Nest 7 - 1 egg observed yesterday but not incubated, today no egg visible and no adult present Nest 7A - presumed abandoned Nest 8 - 1 young chick present, no adult so therefore about 2 weeks old Nest 10 - no activity seen Nest 11 - presumed abandoned, no activity for many weeks Nest 12 - adults head seen Nest 13 - no activity seen Nest 14 - no activity seen Nest 15 - 2 well grown chicks wing flapping Nest 16 - no activity seen Active wing flapping noted in Nests 3,4,15 & 6 Nest 3 - oldest chick clambered up to top of tree, having a good look around 2.15 - Nest 12, changeover, chicks heard 2.20 - Nest 6 - chicks fed 20th April 2022 Sunny, breezy and cold Nest 2 - 2 chicks Nest 3 - 2 chicks Nest 4 - 1 chick Nest 5 - 3 chicks, 1 adult Nest 5A - 3 chicks Nest 6 - 2 chicks flapping Nest 7 - empty Nest 7A -empty Nest 8 - 1 chick Nest 12 - 1 adult flew in 19th April 2022 Bright and sunny Nest 2 - 2 chicks Nest 3 - wing flapping observed Nest 4 - chicks should start wing flapping soon Nest 5 - 1 large chick present Nest 5A - 3 chicks visible Nest 6 - still 2 well grown chicks, one started wing flapping Nest 7 - 1 adult present Nest 7A - no sign of chicks or adults, what happened? Nest 8 - adult present, 2 chicks (quite small) Nest 9 - activity Nest 10 - adult flew in 11.20 Nest 11 - no recent activity, abandoned? Nest 12 - adult present, think there are chicks Nest 13 - adult head seen emerging from nest Nest 14 - no activity noted 12.05 - adult flew into Nest 6 to feed chicks 12.30 - adult flew into Nest 4 13.20 - Nest 2, adult flew in to feed, now an obvious size difference between chicks 13.30 - a heron flew into a tall tree almost behind hemlock. This revealed the presence of two more nests. Nest 15 - 2 birds visible-chicks? Nest 16 - changeover-chicks? 14.20 - Nest 3, adult brought in food 14.37 - Nest 12, adult returned with food 14.55 - Nest 6, adult returned with food 15th April 2022 Warm bright sunny day There has been a fairly consistent coming and going of adult birds but no actual feeding of chicks has been witnessed. Nest 2 - 2 remaining chicks growing well Nest 3 - chicks Nest 4 - adult in attendance, chicks not seen Nest 5 - adult in attendance, 2 chicks clearly visible Nest 6 - 2 well grown chicks visible Nest 7 - adult hunkered down most of the time but second adult in attendance from time to time Nest 7A - adult in attendance and very young chicks seen occasionally Nest 8 - adult in attendance, well grown chicks visible Nest 12 - adults coming and going during the day 13th April 2022 Dry, overcast, some sun, warm Nest 2 - 2 chicks half grown Nest 3 - 2 adults, 2 chicks visible Nest 4 - adult attending, 2 chicks Nest 5A - adult standing Nest 6 - 2 chicks Nest 7 - 2 adults, 1 sitting Nest 8 - adult standing Nest 9 - adult standing Nests 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14 - no activity seen 12th April 2022 Sunny, hot then cloudy Nest 2 - 2 well grown chicks Nest 3 - chicks big enough to be left alone Nest 4 - chicks big enough to be left alone Nest 5 - 1 well grown chick Nest 5A - adult behaving as if chicks have hatched Nest 6 - minimum of 2 well grown chicks Nest 7 - constantly copulating but no sign of incubation Nest 7A - at least 1 tiny chick Nest 8 - chicks Nest 9 - adult present with chicks Nest 10 - adult observed Nest 11 - may no longer be occupied Nest 12 - chicks Nest 13 - no activity Nest 14 - no activity 1.40 - Nest 3, chicks fed 2.15 - Nest 2, chicks fed 6th April 2022 Overcast and windy Nest 2 - 2 chicks Nest 3 - 2 chicks Nest 4 - adult standing Nest 5 - adult Nest 5A - adult sitting Nest 6 - chick wing stretching and flapping Nest 7 - adult sitting Nest 7A - adult Nest 8 - adult sitting 5th April 2022 Overcast and breezy Nest 2 (camera) - down to 2 chicks Nest 3 - 3 chicks minimum, big enough to be left alone Nest 4 - chicks Nest 5 - 1 well grown chick seen Nest 5A - incubating Nest 6 - chicks Nest 7 - incubating with 2nd adult standing above Nest 7A - incubating Nest 8 - chicks (2 min) Nest 9 - chicks Nest 10 - still incubating? nothing visible Nest 11 - not visible Nest 12 - chicks Nest 13 - still incubating? nothing visible Nest 14 - still incubating? nothing visible 11.25 - Nest 4, changover 12.30 - Nest 6, 3 chicks fed 12.52 - Nest 10, changover 2.45 - Nest 6, adult returned chicks grabbing adults beak to prompt regurgitation 1st April 2022 High cloud, sunshine, strong wind and cold Nest 2 - Serious altercation just after 14.00. Two largest chicks started to attack the smallest chick. Adult then attempted to save the smallest chick by lifting it up apart from the nest. It then replaced the chick in the nest but too late, the others attacked it once more. Adult lifted it out of the nest and eventually devoured it. Incredible to see. 3 chicks left by 14.35. The 2 biggest chicks turned their attention to chick no 3. It looks like it is only a matter of time. Nest 3 - 3 substantial chicks observed. No adult present Nest 4 - Adult in attendance, difficult to see chicks Nest 5 - Adult in attendance, difficult to see chicks Nest 6 - Adult in attendance, merest glimpse of chicks Nest 7 - Standing adult from 14.00-15.00 Nest 7A - Sitting adult Nest 8 - Sitting adult. No activity in area on opposite side of lake. 30th March 2022 Cold, cloudy and misty Nest 2 - 4 chicks Nest 3 - 2 chicks Nest 4 - 2 chicks seen Nest 5 - Adults standing/sitting Nest 5A - Bird sitting Nest 6 - Adult activity Nest 7 & 7A - Adults standing/sitting Nest 8 - No activity Some activity on trees in distance, possible nests. Lots of chick noise and change over and feeding 29th March 2022 Very cold and overcast Nest 2 - All 4 chicks doing well Nest 3 - 3 chicks Nest 4 - Chicks Nest 5 - Incubating Nest 5A - incubating Nest 6 - Chicks Nest 7 - Incubating Nest 7A - Incubating Nest 8 - Chicks Nest 9 - Chicks Nest 10, 13 & 14 - Incubating? Lots of activity with birds flying around and coming back to feed chicks. One immature bird seen on mobile camera in a vacant nest. Buzzard flew low through valley several times. Herons called out but otherwise took no action. 2.15 - Birds from Nest 7, which had been standing rather than sitting, both flew over to top of pine tree. Copulation observed. Nest 7, left empty, any eggs there will be chilled. 28th March 2022 Lots of activity on Nests 2,3,4,5,5A,6,7,7A & 8. Loud chick noises. More chicks visible and quite large. Nest 1 - no activity Nest 2 - 3 chicks visible, 2 large, 1 small. Change over Nest 3 - 3 chicks visible, quite large, orange beak visible Nest 4 - 1 chick, standing heron Nest 5 - 2 chicks nest 5A - Adult sitting. 1 chick? Nest 6 - Dead chick hanging under 2 chicks visible Nest 7 - 2 standing, mating, flying Nest 7A - Sitting, egg turning Nest 8 - Sitting bird 25th March 2022 Bright and sunny A sub-adult bird was present on site for the first hour, perched on the rear side of the lake, changed sides and then disappeared. It reappeared after lunch and was seen devouring frogs on two occasions. There is constant chatter from chicks now. No change overs observed. Nest 1 - No activity Nest 2 - 4 chicks growing well Nest 3 - Standing bird seen undertaking housekeeping Nest 4 - Standing bird Nest 5 - Sitting bird Nest 5A - Sitting bird Nest 6 - Standing bird Nest 7 - Sitting bird, standing from time to time Nest 7A - Sitting bird Nest 8 - Sitting bird, standing from time to time 23rd March 2022 Sunny, light cloud, slight breeze Nest 1 - Empty Nest 2 - Change over of adults, 1 chick shouting Nest 3 - Bird standing Nest 4 - Bird standing Nest 5 - Bird standing with chick Nest 5A - Bird standing Nest 6 - Bird standing Nest 7 - Bird sitting Nest 7A - Empty, 1 sitting later Nest 8 - Bird sitting Nests 9, 10 & 11 - Being visited at times Plenty of aerial movements and 1 bird at waters edge and 1 landed on other side. Plenty of chick calling sounds. Immature heron on lakeside in adjacent tree. Nest 7, mating occurred around 2.30pm. Nest 4, change over at 3.24 22nd March 2022 Hot and sunny. Light breeze Nest 2 - 4 chicks, but only 3 easily visible Nest 3 - At least 1 chick Nest 4 - At least 1 chick Nest 5 - Bird standing Nest 5A - Bird standing, then sat to incubate Nest 6 - Adult standing, at least 1 chick Nest 7 - Adult incubating, 2nd adult standing nearby Nest 7A - Adult incubating Nest 8 - Adult still present Nest 9 - Not visible Nest 10 - Not visible Nest 11 - Change over @ 11.45 1.00 - Nest 3, change over 1.20 - Nest 3, change over Chicks can be heard calling, we think from Nest 11 Buzzard spent a lot of time perching in tree on far side of the lake Lot of fidgeting in nests with chicks, Nests 3,4,5,6,& 8 2.00 Immature heron down at side of lake 3.35 - Heron flew into tree on far side. Looking closely there appear to be 3 nests on hemlock arranged in a triangle taking number of nests to a minimum of 13 2.45 - Nest 4, change over 2.50 - Another heron flew in to tree on far side to left of hemlock, Nest 14 21st March 2022 Nest 2 - Change over @ 11am Nest 7/7A - Egg turning Most nest sitting birds, flying activity with partners on Nests 3,5 & 7 18th March 2022 Bright and sunny Nest 1 - No apparent activity Nest 2 - Change over @ 11.20am but incoming bird did not feed the chicks Nest 3 - Standing bird pm Nest 4 - Sitting bird Nest 5 - Possible adult hunkered down but not readily visible. Became visible @ 2.50pm Nest 5A - Possible adult hunkered down but not readily visible Nest 6 - Sitting bird (standing up from time to time) Nest 7 - Sitting bird with second bird in attendance until 2.25pm when it decided to fly over to the other side of lake and sit in the treetop there Nest 7A - Both birds standing together and not doing very much Nest 8 - Sitting bird 14th March 2022 Bright and sunny Nest 2 (camera) - 2 chicks hatched Nest 3 - Occupied Nest 4 - Occupied Nest 5 - Occupied Nest 6 - Occupied Nest 7 - Sitting Nest 7A - Copulation observed Nest 8 - Occupied Nest 9 - Not visible but believed incubating Nest 10 - Incubating - bird glimpsed Fairly quiet, occasionally birds in Nest 3,5 & 5A seen standing before settling down again 1pm - Nest 7A, 2nd bird returned 1.20pm - Nest 6, changeover 2.15pm - Nest 7, 2nd bird returned, copulation observed Quite a lot of activity at 7A, more twigs being brought in 2.30pm - Nest 2, changeover, sitting bird moved off a few minutes before relieving, both chicks visible Another bird (head visible) on one of the nests at back of main trees, we'll call it Nest 11 Total 12 nest so far, but a heron seen flying right disappearing into the thick clump of trees further down the valley. This was the site of a late nest last year so a possible 13th nest. 13th March 2022 Nest 2 - Bird sitting on 3 eggs, 1 chick hatches, can be seen standing Nest 3, 4, 5 & 6 - Sitting birds. Lots of nest building, twig fetching Nest 7? - Courtship displays on right hand tree. Much twig fetching 11th March 2022 Grey, high cloud getting lower and windy and tehn light rain General impression was of a lot of activity during morning with a lot of back and forth with nest material and not just to the two newish nests 7 & 7A Nest 2 - Sitting bird with no change over Nest 3 - Sitting bird Nest 4 - Sitting bird with visit from 2nd bird Nest 5 - Sitting bird with possible change over Nest 5A - Sitting bird Nest 6 - Sitting bird Nest 7 - Still working on nest with sitting bird after lunch Nest 7A - Still a lot of work needed on new nest Nest 8 - Sitting bird with visit from 2nd bird Nest 9 - Adult bird seen visiting 9th March 2022 Bright sun. Clouds. Cold wind Nest 2 (camera) - Sitting Nest 3 - No sign Nest 5 - One sitting, one standing Nest 5A - Sitting Nest 6 - Sitting Nest 7 - Sitting Nest 7A - No sign Nest 8 - Sitting Nest 9 & 10 - No activity all day 8th March 2022 Bright and sunny, very cold Nest 2 (camera) - Sitting bird, turning eggs Nest 3 - Occupied Nest 4 - Occupied Nest 5 - Occupied, pair seen interacting Nest 5A - Occupied Nest 6 - Sitting bird seen standing and looking into nest. Hatching believed imminent Nets 6A - Possibly occupied, glimpsed during windy gusts Nest 7 - Apparently empty Nest 7A - Constructed last Tuesday, sitting bird in full view Nest 8 - Occupied Nest 9 - No activity notes but nest is well hidden Nest 10 - No activity seen but known to be occupied 1.55 - Nest 7 & 8, change over 2.00 - Nest 4, eggs turned 2.15 - Nest 9, 2nd bird flew in. Nest 3, sitting bird fiddling with twigs at edge of nest. Nest 7A, 2nd bird flew back in to join partner, copulation observed 2.40 - Nest 5A, bird turning eggs. Nest 7A, male brought back another twig to female for placement 7th March 2022 Cold and windy Birds sitting on Nests 2, 4, 5, 7 & 8 Very quiet 4th March 2022 Overcast and rain Nest 1 - Appears to be empty Nest 2 - Sitting adult Nest 3 - Sitting adult Nest 4 - Sitting adult Nest 5 - Standing adult Nest 5A - Two standing adults Nest 6 - Sitting adult Nest 7 - Two standing adults Nest 8 - Sitting adult Nest 9 - Two adults mobile in this area Nest 10 - Nothing seen 2nd March 2022 Cloud, drizzle/light rain Nest 1 - Empty Nest 2 - Sitting Nest 3 - Sitting Nest 4 - Sitting Nest 5 - No sign Nest 5A - Standing Nest 7 - 2 standing Nest 8 - Empty Nest 9 - 1 standing Two birds standing on top of trees other side of lake to left of tree with Nest 2 in. Several birds flown in and out recently. Bird on Nest 2 turned eggs around 11.20am 1st March 2022 Dull, drizzly Nest 1 - Apparently empty Nest 2 - Sitting bird, eggs turned 11.05am Nest 3 - Sitting bird Nest 4 - Sitting bird Nest 5 - Pair Nest 5A,(diagonally below 5) - Pair Nest 6 - Sitting bird. Male bringing small twigs from bracken area Nest 7 - Pair standing above Nest 8 - Occupied Nest 9 (behind 7 & 8) - Occupied Nest 10 (to right of western hemlock in top of tree) - Occupied 11.35am, Nest 2 - Change over Nest 7 - New occupants spending most of their time standing above nest site. Are they thinking of starting a new nest above the old nest? 12.30pm - Another heron flew in to stand on last years Nest 7 below the new pair. Some antagonism from second bird on Nest 8. Is this new heron on Nest 7 a bird returning after the storms to a nest they were claiming before the storms?. The pair standing above did not react to the arrival on Nest 7. Also there is a single bird lower down on the right of the same tree ignoring what is going on above. Nest 8 - Lots of activity with both birds peering into the nest. it was an early nest so hatching imminent. 1.35pm - Nest 6, egg turning 25th February 2022 Bright sunny day Nest 1 - No activity Nest 2 - Incubating Nest 3 - No apparent activity Nest 4 - Adult bird visible Nest 5 - No visible activity Nest 6 - Possible adult hunkered down Nest 7 - No activity Nest 8 - Lone male? Still waiting patiently for a partner New nest other side of lake, pair of adult herons copulating on top of tree 23rd February 2022 Breezy but quiet after several very stormy days. Occasional light drizzle. Nest 1 - No bird visible Nest 2 (camera) - Now 4 eggs. Occasionally sitting heron standing up to turn eggs. Nest 3 - Occasional bird glimpsed Nest 4 - Sitting bird seen turning eggs Nest 5 - No bird visible Nest 6 - Sitting bird seen turning eggs and repositioning to continue incubating Nest 7 - No bird visible but could be tucked down very low Nest 8 - Pair present, incubating bird with other standing nearby for most of the morning Nest 10 - Visible to the right and behind the western hemlock. Bird visible through foliage Fewer nests occupied than expected. Possibly the tree recent storms have scared some off. Hopefully more nests will be occupied soon. 3.20pm, Nest 10 - 2nd bird flew in. Another heron flew from main group of trees and appeared curious, then flew back to join bird in Nest 4 3.40pm, Nest 9 - (in tree behind Nests 7 & 8) bird seen stretching head up 17th February 2022 13.08 A heron flew into nest 2 and the resident heron flapped and squawked to shoo away the incoming heron 15th February 2022 Rain all day, sometimes very heavy 1.50 Nest 2 (camera) copulation observed. 1 egg already present but not being incubated. Very little activity due to rain. Birds observed on Nests 1,2,3,4 6 & 8 11th February 2022 Sun and high cloud Little aerial activity. Nest 1 - appears to be occupied Nest 2 - 2 adults visible Nest 3 - occupied Nest 4 - Not visible Nest 5 - 2 herons visible Nest 5a - 1 heron Nest 6 - Appears unoccupied Nest 7 - 1 heron Nest 8 - 2 herons visible 3rd February 2022 10.15 - Nest 8,1 bird visible. Nest 6, 2 birds visible. Nest 5, 2 birds visible. Nest 3, 1 bird visible. Nest 2, 1 bird visible. 11.55 - Nest 5, pair actively nest building. 15.00 - Nest 1, bird copulating 15.45 - Flying displays with loud calling from herons present. 2nd February 2022 9.45 - Birds visible on Nests 1,5 & 6 13.15 - 2 birds repairing Nest 6 both by taking sticks from Nest 8. 1st February 2022 Herons have been seen occasionally over recent days. 10.30 - 2 birds on Nest 6, 1 bird on Nest 8 12.30 - Birds present on Nests 1,5,6 & 8 Manage Cookie Preferences