April 21, 2018: A pair of herons court over a nest on the foreshore of Roberts Bay

Apparently undeterred by nearby construction activity (redevelopment of 10383 All Bay Road), a pair of herons get together above a nest on one of the Douglas Fir “heron trees”. This nest site was successfully occupied by nesting herons (perhaps the same birds) in 2017. Two chicks were raised to maturity.

Concerns have been raised that the construction activity would disturb the birds (disturbing nesting herons is illegal). So far, so good.

Looking south along the portion of 10383 All Bay Road that is fenced off from construction disturbance in order to protect the foreshore “heron trees”.

In addition to the worries about interference with the amorous herons, we are concerned about the longer term effects of the construction on the “heron trees”.  A fence has been erected some 7 m island from the trees themselves but we note that this protection zone has been carpeted by subsoil and debris over the whole width of the redevelopment property.  We will be showing these photographs to the Town of Sidney Engineer, seeking assurances that this overburden will be removed promptly and that the roots of the valuable trees have not been disturbed.

Thanks to Abby Greene and  Bill James for sharing their heron photographs.

Update/Response from the Town of Sidney Director of Development Services and Engineering, Tim Tanton, received on May 2, 2018

“I have confirmed that the approved Development Permit for this lot is very specific, and includes placement of 20-30cm of additional soil in the area of the protected trees.  As such, there are no plans to remove the soil.  At the time of submission, our arborist confirmed that the soil would not be harmful to the trees.”