photo by Greg Hofmann

05/05/03: Yes, it’s that time of year again – the Elkhorn Slough rookery is in full swing. First to arrive and choose nest sites were the Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodias), followed by the Great Egrets (Casmerodius albus) and, in the more barren trees to the north, the Double-crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus). Although some of the egrets in this photo are using nests from previous years, new nests may be built each year (as the birds move into new trees), and old nests need upkeep; look closely and you'll see that the incoming egret has a long branch in its bill. Our rookery has been moving steadily south-east over the years, as dead Monterey Pines (probably killed by the bird guano) are abandoned in favor of the live trees next in line.