herons Archives - Stanley Park Ecology (SPE)

Apr 22, 2026 @ 06:00 pmEvents

Birds and Brews

Join us for a walk to the heron colony, where we’ll learn all about the herons who nest in what we call “Stanley Park” and get updates about the rookery so far this season. In May, the herons typically spend a lot of time coming and going from the nests to care for their young, and should be quite active as we venture around Lost Lagoon and to their nests. The walk will end with a drink at Stanley Park Brewing for lunchtime. Tickets include one can* of a limited edition beer collaboration from Stanley Park Brewing that supports Stanley Park Ecology’s ongoing conservation and monitoring efforts of the heron colony.

This event is in collaboration with Stanley Park Brewing and offered as part of the Greater Vancouver Bird Celebration!

heron up in tree next to large nest and blue sky — Photo: James Stevenson; great blue heron

May 8, 2026 @ 11:00 amEvents

Big Sit Bird Watch

Join us and our friends at Birds Canada for a beginner-friendly bird count at Lost Lagoon where, with your help, we will try to count as many species as possible in the same area! As we identify and count birds, we’ll learn more about the feathered friends we see and hear along the way and gain useful insight for identifying traits of birds. Expect to see species such as hummingbirds, swallows, wood ducks, bald eagles, herons, warblers, and more!
This event is part of the Greater Vancouver Bird Celebration!

male tree swallow perched on a wood nesting box — Photo: Frank Lin; tree swallow

Apr 11, 2026 @ 02:00 pmEvents

The Herons are Here: Colony Tour [FULL]

Did you know that every spring, Pacific great blue herons take to over 100 nests to raise their young, right here in Stanley Park at the edge of Downtown Vancouver? Join Educator Julia for a special site visit to the heron rookery and learn all about how these beautiful and large birds navigate the canopy, build their nests, and raise their fledglings. You’ll also discover how Stanley Park Ecology supports the heron colony by protecting them from predators and monitoring their success in summer surveys. This is part of our annual series, “The Herons are Here”! This time of year, there is a lot of bustling activity in the canopy as herons maintain their nests and start to lay eggs.

heron flying with a stick in its beak — Photo: Martin Passchier; great blue heron

Mar 28, 2026 @ 02:30 pmEvents

The Herons are Here: Colony Tour [FULL]

heron flying with conifer branch in its beak, against a blue sky — Photo: James Stevenson

Mar 26, 2026 @ 06:00 pmEvents

Beavers, Frogs, and Bogs!

As you venture along the wetland trail, you might hear the croaks and calls of nearby frogs, the quacks of resident ducks, and the songs of red-winged blackbirds — if you’re lucky, you also might just spot a beaver! How well do you know the animals that call Beaver Lake (known as “Áx̱achu7” in the Squamish language) home? Join us for an evening stroll to learn about the wildlife found in this partial bog ecosystem and see what we can find!

close-up of a beaver in the water, facing forward with head partially submerged — Photo: Mark T. White

Nov 26, 2025 @ 06:00 pmEvents

Heron Highlights Webinar

Each year, dozens of Pacific Great Blue Herons nest in Stanley Park. Learn about this unique urban colony with Urban Wildlife Programs Coordinator Rose Wilkin who will be discussing highlights from the 2025 heron season and exploring how this year compares to previous seasons here in the Park.

Join Us!