Great Blue Heron
The Great Blue Heron is North America’s largest heron and a Montana avian species of concern. Herons nest in colonies, or rookeries, along major waterways, often in mature cottonwood galleries. The Great Blue Heron is an indicator species as it relies on healthy, productive riparian systems for foraging and nesting. A number of factors may be affecting the population decline, including: decline of riparian cottonwood stands, increased urban sprawl and human disturbance, or changing conditions of waterways. With changing conditions, it is not uncommon to see herons abandon nests and relocate, moving to more remote and undisturbed areas making it harder to survey populations. Breeding Bird Survey data indicates that populations have declined every year from 1966 to 2015. To better track this species, Montana Audubon partnered with the Montana Natural Heritage Program to improve and support greater statewide inventory and monitoring.
The Great Blue Heron Rookery survey season will take place from May 1- June 10.
The Great Blue Heron Rookery survey season will take place from May 1- June 10.
Please email Peter Dudley at peter@mtaudubon.org if you have any questions or would like to volunteer for this unique effort.
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