Winter’s grip still held tight, but I couldn't ignore the itch to get outside and check if the Great Blue Herons had returned to begin their nesting season. The air was sharp, the wind nipping at my face as I made my way through the city, scanning treetops and quiet ponds, searching for signs of life.
And then—I found them.
In a central park, high up in a skeletal tree, the first herons had arrived. They hunkered down on their branches, feathers fluffed against the chill, their long legs tucked up beneath them. Their presence filled me with excitement. Soon, these trees would be alive with courtship rituals, stick deliveries, and the raucous calls of a growing rookery. But for now, they simply endured the last bite of winter, waiting for warmer days.
And this one, was done for the day.
Down at the pond, another sign of the shifting seasons greeted me. The turtles had emerged from hibernation, hauling themselves onto their favorite log, stretching out their legs and necks in what looked like pure bliss. I watched as they lifted their little faces toward the sky, eyes closed, soaking up whatever warmth the sun could offer through the thick clouds. It never fails to amaze me how they just know when to wake up.
Did you know? Some pond turtles, like the Western Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta), have striking orange and yellow markings on their shells, legs, and heads. These vibrant colors help them blend into sunlit water reflections and provide natural camouflage against predators. Unlike other turtles that bask with just their shells exposed, painted turtles stretch out their legs and necks to maximize sun absorption, which helps regulate their body temperature after cold nights. They can even survive being frozen in ice for short periods by slowing their metabolism and absorbing oxygen through their skin!
And then, there was Indy.
The Indian Runner Duck, who has made this urban park his home, was still thriving. Even under the gray sky, his colors gleamed, a striking contrast against the muted tones of winter’s end.
He stood tall, his sleek frame and upright posture giving him a proud, almost regal air. But it’s his personality that gets me every time—cheeky, curious, always up to something. Naming him Indy felt right. He’s a little explorer, weaving his way through the daily life of the pond, as if he owns the place.
But my curiosity didn’t stop there.
The next day, I decided to check out another spot near a marina where, last spring, I had seen a cluster of nests. People had reported that they were heron nests, and I wanted to see for myself if the birds had returned. What I found left me completely shocked.
There were over 30 Great Blue Herons! They perched in the trees and even stood on the roofs of the marina buildings, their tall, graceful silhouettes scattered across the scene.
As I watched in awe, one particular male caught my attention. He swooped over to a nearby tree, snapped off a branch, and carried it back to his mate. She—whom I named Harriet—reached up, delicately grasping the stick in her beak and tucking it into their nest. That simple moment of teamwork, of dedication, was one of the most heartwarming things I’ve ever witnessed. How cute is that?
Great Blue Herons are incredibly dedicated nest builders. They return to the same nesting colonies—called rookeries—year after year, continuously adding sticks and branches to their nests, some of which can grow over 3 feet wide! Males gather the materials, while females arrange them into a sturdy platform lined with softer materials like moss or grass. Nest building can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks as they prepare for the arrival of their eggs.
Once the nest is complete, the female lays between 2 to 6 eggs, with 4 being the most common. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs, which hatch after about 25 to 30 days. Even after hatching, the hard work doesn’t stop—heron chicks are completely dependent on their parents for food and protection, and it takes about two months before they are ready to fledge. Watching these herons brace themselves against the cold, standing steadfast on their nests as the wind howled through the trees, made me appreciate just how much they endure to bring their young into the world. Their resilience is nothing short of remarkable.
Despite the lingering cold, today was a reminder that change is on the horizon. The herons have returned, the turtles are waking, and Indy is strutting through his world, completely unbothered by the weather. Spring is creeping in, little by little. And I can’t wait to see what unfolds next.
And look what I got as I drove away.
Spring has obviously sprung! Gorgeous pictures.
The birds are impressive each one but even more so in such numbers. Can't wait or the babies to arrive.