The earliest known record of these magnificent birds dates back to a 1921 photo by Leonard Frank of a colony near Brockton Point. It is quite likely that the birds inhabited Stanley Park years before this image was captured, too. Even back then, people were fascinated by the great blue herons.
For almost 100 years, herons have called Stanley Park “home”.
Location of the colony
The location of the colony has changed a few times since 1921. When and why the herons change nesting locations is not fully understood.
Other locations of nesting trees after Brockton Point include:
- By the aquarium
- Around Beaver Lake
- Near the zoo
- Beach Ave near the Vancouver Park Board offices (current location)
Photo by Leonard Frank, Colony near Brockton Point,1921
City of Vancouver Archives