25th Consecutive Season of Birds Nesting at Stow Lake

For the 25th consecutive year, the Great Blue Herons have returned to Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park. They currently occupy five nests.

The herons first arrived in 1993 and constructed one nest. Last year, five nests were successful and produced 14 chicks.

To date, 194 chicks have learned to fly at Stow Lake.

Starting April 14 and running until June 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the non-profit organization San Francisco Nature Education will conduct its annual free program for adults and children – the Heron Watch.

Volunteers equipped with high-powered spotting scopes will show the herons and their chicks and explain heron behavior.

As well, experts will lead nature walks every Saturday from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. around Strawberry Hill. The walk costs $10 for adults and children romp for free.

To witness the herons nesting, follow signs at the Stow Lake Boathouse or download a map at www.sfnature.org. For more information, call (415) 205-0776 or e-mail info@sfnature.org.