Words and photos by Tricia Thomas

Nature can sometimes be cruel, but it can also surprise.

That was revealed in a story about a Great Blue heron rookery in Tsawwassen First Nation territory on the shoreline overlooking BC Ferries. Writing in the Vancouver Sun in July, reporter Larry Pynn told about the observations of scientist and ornithologist Rob Butler of two eagles who set up a ‘protection ring’ around a heron colony that kept other eagles away.

That created a feeling of safety for the herons, drawing others to begin nesting under their protectors’ watchful eyes.

If you’ve ever witnessed the massacre of young heron by eagles, you’ll never forget it. Screeching, flailing, pterodactyl-like adults have no defense against the raiding raptors. With speed, maneuverability and voracious drive, a few eagles can decimate all the young from a colony of nests in a matter of hours.

But thanks to two eagles, one of the largest established heron colonies in BC is a safer place. Almost 400 pairs of nesting herons make their home on the bluff overlooking the Salish Sea.

Let’s hope the friendship lasts.