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Further Detail, Chicks and Nest Counts <br />60 <br />60 <br />50 <br />40 <br />30 <br />20 <br />10 <br />0 <br />Number of Chicks <br />Number of Nests <br />2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 <br />Here is a chart on the number of chicks <br />observed in each year shown. The increase in <br />these years is due to work by Andy Von <br />Duyke and others by managing the predators, <br />In 2008, a tornado touched down less than a <br />mile from the colony. I believe they were very <br />lucky. In 2009, I suspect a wind storm took <br />out many of the chicks, however, it could have <br />been predation or most likely, part of both. <br />The nest count continues to rise so hopefully, <br />the decline in 2009 is not too much of a factor. <br />In addition, realize, these numbers are not <br />perfect as chicks are difficult to see in the <br />foliage. <br />The number of nests in this chart is shows a <br />continued increased over the years. In the <br />winter, the nests can be seen and counted very <br />well and this should be a primary statistic for <br />the future, provided of course the nests are <br />active. In a given year, the herons move the <br />nests around some and steal sticks from on nest <br />making another in a different place. This <br />dynamic is easily observed in the winter. <br />Although far from pre -1998 levels, I am <br />hopeful that the colony is slowly increasing in <br />numbers. <br />For more information see, WWW.PELTIERLAKE.ORG or <br />http:/ /www.peltierlake.org/Herons.htm <br />For detail, see http:// www. peltierlake .org/WhyHeronsLeft.pdf <br />"Rookery Blues" is still available at :http: / /www.dnr.state.mn.us /volunteer /marapr04 /rookery.html. <br />Page 3 <br />