Great Blue Heron (Photo courtesy of Tom Skinner/Facebook)

By Pete McIntyre

No tressspasing

Observe, but don’t disturb Vernon’s herons

Mar 25, 2022 | 6:00 AM

A Vernon group is encouraging people to keep their distance from the city’s unique Great Blue Heron population.

Jane Weixl from the Vernon Heron Protection Society said on Facebook some of the birds have just returned to their nesting area off 20th Street, and are focused on finding a mate, nesting and laying eggs.

She said the herons are encountering human conflicts as they search the nearby field for food and materials for their nests.

“Unfortunately, some people are trespassing on the heronry field and walking around the property while taking photos and trying to get a better look at the birds during nesting,” said Weixl. “When people are walking in the field, the birds are scared off. If it happens enough times they may stop nesting entirely and leave.”

Sign at heron nesting area in Vernon (Submitted photo/Jane Weixl/Facebook)

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The herons have had to deal with encroaching development on their nesting area in recent years, but Weixl says their property has several signs that say ‘No Trespassing.’

“Please obey the signs as this species is struggling to survive in B.C. and across Canada due to climate events like last year’s heat dome and the loss of suitable nesting areas due to development.”

Weixl recommends viewing the birds from beside the road on 20th Street or 24th Street or from the pathway by The Roster Sports Club Bar and Grill.