NEWPORT BEACH : It’s Heron Today, Gone Tomorrow

Last month, it appeared that the rookery of great blue herons nesting in a Harbor Island tree would be destroyed by development, but plans are under way to move the nests.

The nine or so nests in the tall Torrey pine tree may be moved by a research biologist to rookeries at either Santa Ana River Lake or at the Prado Dam in Riverside County, locations where wildlife experts are trying to boost heron breeding.

The nests, deserted by the herons about a month ago, would be placed atop artificial platforms built to attract the birds from nearby trees that are in danger of falling from age, said Pete Bloom, vice president of Sea and Sage chapter of the Audubon Society.

“We’re hoping that by using nest sticks previously used by other herons, that they will have good heron smells to them that will entice the birds to use these platforms,” Bloom said.

The relocation plan comes on the heels of a reprieve for the 60-foot tree that now houses the nests. The sprawling tree spills over into the back yard of Jean Macnab but originates in an adjacent vacant lot that is for sale. A prospective buyer last month ruffled the feathers of neighbors and wildlife advocates when he hinted that the tree might be cut down to make way for a swimming pool, Macnab said.

“But with all the excitement over the birds and saving the tree, they just gave up,” she said. “I guess he thought it wasn’t worth the headaches.”

Macnab said she has had her share of headaches dealing with her back-yard colony of herons, which are large, loud birds.

“It was wonderful a year ago when they moved in, but back then there was only one nest, one family,” she said. “This year, I guess all the other birds heard what a great place it was and they came, too. And then they all had babies. It got to where there were too many.”

Macnab said she is glad the tree is remaining in the neighborhood but adds that she is more than happy that the heron nests are to be moved. “Most of them left last month, but maybe they won’t come back if the nests are gone,” Macnab said.

Bloom said that Macnab was probably dealing with “several gallons” of bird droppings on her brick patio each day, a cleaning job made worse by scattered, half-eaten fish.

“Sometimes, it looked like they had a bang-up party out here,” Macnab said. “I wouldn’t mind one or two staying, but I guess you can’t pick and choose.” Bloom said the move is contingent on funding from the Irvine Co. and approval from government wildlife agencies, both of which seem likely. He said that he and a tree-pruning crew would probably remove the 3-foot-wide nests using a crane mounted on a truck and then drive them to a new site.

“We hope the birds there will go ahead and build their nests right on top of these,” he said.

The relocation could happen in late August at the earliest, Bloom said.

The Great Blue Heron ( Ardea herodias )

Range: Widespread in North America, except through forest belts and among the northern tundra. They are also found in northern South America.

Appearance: A lean bird that can grow to 5 feet, it has a wingspan that can reach 6 feet. It has a long neck, long legs and a spear-like beak. It has a white head, wings that are blue-gray on top and whitish underneath, and a belly with black streaking. Juveniles lack plumes and appear brownish.

Voice: A distinctive deep, harsh croak.

Habitat: It is found in marshes, swamps, streams, shores, tideflats, kelp beds and irrigation ditches. In late summer, young herons disperse widely and may be found wherever fish are plentiful, including small ponds, mountain waters or even back-yard pools.

Nest: A platform of sticks built in a tree, often among a colony of other nests. Their eggs, usually coming three to seven in a nest, are bluish-green.

Diet: Fish, frogs and other aquatic life

Great blue heron versus cranes: Because of similar looks, the two are often confused. A great blue heron has a longer bill, and flies with its neck folded back on its shoulders, extending it only when preparing to land or when under attack. Also, a heron stands in water or on a bank, while a crane prefers marshes or dry fields and tends to be more skittish.

Sources: “Field Guide to Western Birds,” “The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds”