Bird of the month: Great blue heron

Great blue herons, found throughout the Blaine and Birch Bay area, are the largest heron in North America. While impressive with their large wing span, their average weight is just 5-6 pounds. The bird is well worth watching as they hunt in shallow water, but don’t forget to look for them in trees near the shore, where they often sit and where they nest, such as this heron pictured at Birch Bay State Park. The Blaine area has one of the largest heron rookeries, or group of nests, in Whatcom County. Look for these and many other birds during the Wings Over Water Birding Festival, March 15-17, 2024.