For some time now, I’ve stopped walking to the McKenzie Marsh boardwalk on St. John’s Sideroad. We rarely make it there anymore since Matthew prefers the Community Arboretum, with its entrance at the intersection of Industrial Parkway and St. John’s. I can’t blame him—on the way home, we get to stop at three playgrounds, his favourite places: Optimist Park, Northern Lights Public School, and Thompson Park.
However, it’s always nice to mix up the routine, and I was glad we decided to return to McKenzie Marsh that day. We spotted a group of Great Blue Herons flying around, clearly getting ready for something. It was close to lunchtime, so maybe they were just hungry. There were at least five of them, all positioning themselves for whatever came next. It was such an unexpected and special sight!
A heron gracefully glided close to the boardwalk and perched on the gnarled roots of a dead tree, a spot usually occupied by red-eared slider turtles. I couldn’t resist snapping numerous photos of the majestic bird, who seemed unfazed by my presence. It’s amazing how these herons have learned to coexist with the growing number of photographers and the constant hum of traffic from the nearby road.
While other birds soared above the water that day, the herons clearly reigned supreme at McKenzie Marsh. And I didn’t mind one bit. There’s something special about having one species dominate the scene, allowing me the chance to really observe them up close.
In the past, we used to have a flock of cormorants hanging out by the landmark tree on the east side of the boardwalk. But over the years, their numbers have noticeably declined. I still spot a couple of them on the tree from time to time, but it’s nothing like the fifteen or so we used to see.
Cormorants are fascinating birds, but they can also be quite invasive, especially when they dominate an area. With fewer of them around, I imagine the Great Blue Herons are thriving. They’ve certainly seized the opportunity, claiming the landmark tree as their own and settling there without any competition.
On the other side of McKenzie Marsh, I’ve never seen a large group of herons. They seem to prefer spreading out across different parts of the marsh. One might be hanging out at the back, another perched in the landmark tree, one standing on a stump, another tucked away in a willow tree across the way, and of course, there’s always the one in the photos, fishing super close to the boardwalk.
Next to the Great Blue Herons, there were also Canada Geese and ducks scattered around, with seagulls soaring above. The mix of birds always brings a certain energy to the marsh, but I couldn’t help but miss the Caspian Terns. They used to be such a regular presence on the South side of St. John’s, particularly at Atkinson Wetland. Caspian Terns are easy to confuse with seagulls at first glance, but once you spot their distinctive red beak, you know it’s them. Their red beak is like a little badge of distinction in the bird world! Their unique fishing style—plunging straight into the water from mid-air—is such a fascinating sight. I used to enjoy watching them do their thing, and I hope they’ll make a comeback soon.
COMMENTS
Steve Wilson said: August 20, 2012 at 19:29
“Anna, I have also stopped at the McKenzie Marsh and observed the Great Blue Herons this year. The most I have counted roosting in the old tree is 9. I hope they stay around for a while.”
