The Great Blue Heron is a common wading bird found all over North America, with the ‘fannini’
subspecies only present along the coast from southern Alaska to northern Washington. Two colonies
of 50+ breeding pairs exist on Vancouver Island, with several smaller sites, having an average of
ten breeding pairs. Overall, the island likely supports 200-300 herons. While the great blue
heron is not a particularly vital species in Vancouver Island’s ecosystem, the population here is
part of only 1500 breeding pairs of the ‘fannini’ subspecies in the world. Also, the pairs on
Vancouver Island (and on the lower mainland) have the lowest breeding success of any population of
heron in North America. The heron is not considered threatened worldwide, but is considered a
species of “special concern” in BC due to its shrinking habitat, unwillingness to nest near human
activity and low survival rate. ~ Vancouver Island Wilderness and Historical Conservation,
University of Victoria

To see more of our heron images click HERE