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<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com   Published: Wednesday, July 16, 2008 Camano Island heron colony thriving By Scott Pesznecker Herald Writer CAMANO ISLAND -- A colony of blue herons on Camano Island has thrived since the land the colony inhabits was purchased for preservation five years ago. A total of 264 nests were found in and around the 40-acre site on the north end of Camano Island earlier this year, said Ruth Milner, a biologist for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. In 2005, there were 281 nests all inside the boundaries of the 40-acre site. "Because of the windstorms we've had lately, and because trees go and birds move, they've shifted around in the general area," Milner said. "There are a few nests that are off the property, but I'm not worried about them." To update people on the state of the heron colony, Milner is planning a presentation for 7 p.m. today at the Camano Multipurpose Center at 141 East Camano Drive. She also plans to discuss some of her department's other ongoing efforts to monitor bird activity in the area. The presentation is part of a public education lecture series held the third Wednesday of each month by the Camano Wildlife Project. The series is sponsored by Friends of Camano Island Parks. The land with the heron colony was purchased with private donations matching contributions from Island County. The Whidbey Camano Land Trust helped buy the land from its previous owner, and then the deed was transferred to the state. Because the colony is protected, there is no public access to the site, Milner said. At today's presentation, Milner plans to hand out maps of other birding sites on Camano Island. Herons have been known to abandon their nesting colonies to head elsewhere. However, nests and other sings of life at the Camano Island nesting site indicate the birds are there to stay, at least for now, Milner said. "What we're after is relative stability," she said. "What we're hoping is the colony continues to grow." Reporter Scott Pesznecker: 425-339-3436 or spesznecker@heraldnet.com.

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