December 10, 2016 was another yearly trek into the great Marches Point Heronry to count nests. A BIG group - 27 - and a great variety of people, young and old, experienced and first-timers! Chilly, sloppy day. TOUGH bunch!
We start with introductions and an overview of the Skagit Land Trust, the Heronry, and the task for today.
We will be looking for trees with metal number-tags and pink flagging. We'll count and record the nests and tree condition and replace with red flagging. But first a good hike up and in!
Once in where we can see nests, we divide into three groups and get final instructions.
Some count nests, some record data, and some replace flagging. But we all look up at the nests - an amazing sight and so many - nearly 600? - in this few acres.
