WHO:
Pacific Great Blue Herons and their chicks nesting at Beacon Hill Park.
WHAT:
As much as possible from late April to late June, I try to get down to Beacon Hill Park with good telescopes to check out the growing chicks plus give friends and walking-by public a very closeup view of those majestic birds and their growing chicks.
Don't miss one of these opportunities to have a nice stroll in the park and check it out. It might seem like something not worth the effort, but it truly is. I lost count a long time ago of the number of times new observers say "OH WOW!" on their first look into the scope.
Check here for updates on the chicks' status: https://dougbutler.ca/blog/
WHERE:
In Beacon Hill Park on the east side of Goodacre Lake, across the driveway from the pickle ball courts.
WHEN:
Here are the date and times I'll be at the park in 2026:
- Update 2026-06-25:
- I have no other scheduled dates for the 2026 nesting season, which is nearly finished.
- Any ad-hoc dates for the remainder of 2026 will be posted on my blog as soon as I know.
- Check back in April 2027 for next year's viewing dates.
WHY:
Because it's fun! Not to mention that it's a good chance to check out nature, meet new friends, and share with others.
Feel free to share this page's link with others
https://dougbutler.ca/herons/
UPDATES:
Watch this page for changes/updates to the viewing dates and times.
<Click here> for small blog posts and picture updates.
DONATIONS:
If you'd like to say thanks by helping cover some of the cost for the good quality gear I'm sharing with the public, please consider
Any excess donations will go to the Beacon Hill Park Children's Farm (the Petting Zoo).
(I take no profit... my time on this endeavour is free).
Links (all will launch in a new tab):
- Heron photos and videos that I took in 2016, with some added in 2026.
- My blog, with mini-updates from heron watching sessions.
- Springtide Whale Watching's info page on Herons Nesting in Beacon Hill Park
- Some good photos on the Colwood Community Association's Facebook Page
- Province of BC, Wildlife at Risk brochure on the Great Blue Heron
- Wikipedia page on the Great Blue Heron