20
Great Blue Heron Nest Platform
The great blue heron is an elegant water bird most commonly
found nesting near rivers, lakes, or other water bodies that contain
live mature or dead trees. Here, herons construct a nest of sticks
at least 20 ft. high. They nest in colonies, meaning there are many
heron nests within one small area. Nest platforms should be used
in the vicinity of a present colony or to enhance an existing one
where trees are deteriorating.
Support poles should be 30 ft. high and 3-8" in diameter. Three
nest platforms can be placed on each pole. The first is at the top
and the other two staggered at 180º and 4 ft. intervals.
Placement of heron platforms is best conducted through the ice
from January through March.
Short support brace
Nest supports
Perch (top rounded)
Sidearms
Support pole 30'
A
E
B
F
G
H
D
C
Position sidearms on support
pole so nest is inclined upward at
approximately 7º angle. Wire
armful of sticks onto lath nest
supports to stimulate use.
Materials
Lumber:
A. 2" x 2" x 7'
B. 2" x 2" x 30"
C. 1" x 2" x 26-1/2"
D. 1" x 2" x 26-1/2"
E. 1" x 2" x 39"
F. 1" x 2" x 19-1/2"
G. 1" x 2" x 19-1/4"
H. 1" x 2" x 17-7/8"
(1) 30' cedar support pole/three platforms
