Heronry: update (and not good news for birders)

[mr.sharp-photo]

At 10 AM today, I paid a visit to the heronry.  
I parked in the parking lot and was standing on the small patch of grass that surrounds the parking lot.

First, the fun news.  In the farmer's field directly to the north, i counted 24 herons standing on the mud in a neat line. they were about 150 ft from me (maybe more).  On top of that, i counted another 10 or so herons in the tree nests.

Now, the bad news.

I was on the lawn for 2, maybe 3 minutes. Keep in mind that i'm a relatively young guy, but i was dressed well, I'm clean cut, and i was drinking a coffee. so i didn't look suspicious or unsavoury.  i also didn't have my camera. I was simply standing, drinking a coffee, and looking. nothing else.

a gentleman came out of the school and politely but firmly asked if he could help me. I told him i was looking at the heronry and he said that I was on private property. Not sure if the school located near the heronry is a public or private school, but I chose not to argue.  I asked "so i can't stand on the grass or on the parking lot to look at the birds?"  He said no, this is private property. He thanked me and left.

so...i assume that the heronry is off limits to observe - even from a safe distance.  I guess the school feels threatened by someone staring into the neighbouring farmer's field for 2-3 minutes and isn't interested in any sort of relationship with nature lovers.

I've forwarded this post to a person who I hope may be able to discuss this with the school to afford us the opportunity to witness the heronry (because the heronry is pretty damn impressive to see).  There is a No Tresspassing sign at the rear of the parking lot and if the parking lot and the grass is indeed private property, it is their right to not allow us on there.  

its our loss. too bad.

[niani.gil]

That is bad news Yogistewart. I hope this gets sorted out.
Nigil

[Andreas Jonsson]

Hi yogistewart

Where is this heronry? I don't think you intentioned it.

[Ann Brokelman]

I went to visit the heron site and because it was a school my friend and I went to the principals office and asked permission to go on the school property. That was on Monday. We were given permission for 10 min to visit - which was perfect.  The reasons are so obvious why you may have been kicked out.  Any time you go somewhere you really need to ask the question - should I get permission.  They may say no and then you leave. The fact that it is a school and young students (and because I am a parent) I - 100% agree with them.  

Today on my way north I drove by to see that they have posted a Private Property and No Trespassing signs at the front and back.

Time to find another heron location as this one is now closed to everyone.

[Bluffs Birder]

With 2 more violent incidents at schools in the GTA on Tuesday, I can't imagine why anyone should be surprised at all.  At what point in time was a school property ever a public place and especially during school hours?

We're outsiders and school staff have no idea who we are and why we would be there.  Loitering, cameras, binoculars, etc, only make things much worse...they (the staff) can't take chances anymore whatsoever, they must act swiftly.  I wouldn't like it if my kids were inside, I'm quite satisfied with the outcome.  I'm glad to see that they've posted signs and made it official.

Walter

[Ann Brokelman]

Walter I agree with you 100% .  having 2 kids that are now teachers they were floored that people would go on school property without proper permission in light of all the violence being seen there.  

Thanks for your comment Walter.  Ann

[cocosally]

There are at least 20-30 Heronry in there...... There are some more at the back from where you stand (the school) and inside, if you go north on 404, you can see them.  Those Heronry are there for a long time, every year, they come back and bring more Heron to come.  If I am not mistaken, the school used to be not a school, it was something like community centre/ something like that and I used to go there to watch them.  When there's snow in Oct/Nov, those Heron used to hide under the bushes, like little children, one by one, form a line and I used to park my car alongside and watch them. Until the snow's stop, they fly back again.

Ever since the place become a school and after last year renovation,  I think they are really in caution if any stranger goes near the school.  But I think it is good in a way that, those Heron won't get disturb.  I enjoy watching them from a distance.
You can always find the Heron in the Richmond Green Park, as they catch little minnow in the pond with some sea gull, sandpipper, Goose, Killdee....etc

Excuse me for my poor English grammer since English is not my first language.

Besides, most of the areas near the school are private as there's a farm around that area.