Great Blue Heron

Nest structure Plan and Information

Select another species:

Great Blue Heron
© Alexandra MacKenzie
Construction difficulty:
complex

Download Nest Structure Plan

Species in decline

This species is in decline in certain regions. You can put up a nest box to help if you live in the right region and habitat.

  • Declining
  • Not declining
  • Not present
Source: USGS

Nesting Range

Great Blue Heron Range Source: Birds of the World

Nesting Habitat

  • Lake
  • Marsh
  • Shore

Attach Nest Box To

  • Post

Known Nesting Period

Not Nesting
Some Nesting Occurrence
Nesting in Most of Range
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Source: Birds of the World

Nest Box Placement

Nest Height:
30ft
ft

30 feet

Minimum Spacing:

10 feet

Facing:

Toward Water

Helpful Tips

  • Up to three nest platforms can be placed on each pole, spaced about 4' apart and staggered at 180-degree intervals.
  • Place the highest platform at the top of the post.
  • Place a few branches on the platform.
  • Choose a location near an existing colony with clay soils where water depth is not more than 4.5' deep.
  • Plant the pole to a depth of 6.5'.
  • The best time to install the pole is January through March.
  • Great Blue Herons nest in colonies, so multiple platforms can be installed in an area.
  • Choose a location where herons will be protected from human disturbance (approximately 300–600' from pedestrian or boat launch areas).